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Bill to expand ODF citation authority draws concerns over standard of proof
Summary
House Bill 2,819 A would authorize the state forester or authorized persons to issue citations for fire‑protection violations based on information and witness statements rather than only firsthand observation; the committee discussed raising the standard from "reasonable grounds" to "probable cause," and members asked the department for narrowed,
Senate Committee on Judiciary members debated enforcement standards Thursday after hearing an overview of House Bill 2,819 A, which would authorize the State Forester or an authorized agent to issue citations for fire‑protection violations based on information received, investigation or witness statements rather than requiring the issuing officer to have personally witnessed the violation.
Why it matters: Sponsors and Department of Forestry staff argued broader citation authority is needed to deter unsafe behavior…
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