Committee approves bill allowing property owners to mark boundaries with purple paint as a trespass indicator

The Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee on March 5 approved House File 944, a bill that would allow landowners to mark property boundaries with vertical purple paint strips as an alternative to posted “no trespassing” signs.

Representative Gilman sponsored the bill and the committee adopted an A1 amendment to require that property owners post identifying information and a phone number “at a convenient road access point.” The Department of Natural Resources enforcement division said the change would help the public identify landowners and discourage unauthorized marking of public lands.

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Grecki, assistant director for DNR Enforcement, testified in support: the DNR told the committee that 22 other states have similar purple‑paint laws and that paint markings can be more durable than signs. “This bill would provide land owners an additional method to post their property and let them know where the current boundaries are,” Grecki said.

Committee members raised accessibility questions including color‑vision concerns and visibility in low‑light situations. Representative Purcell asked about people with color‑vision differences; proponents said purple is generally distinct from forestry and logging paint colors and that the amendment’s requirement to post owner contact information at access points would reduce ambiguity. Representative Falconer suggested combining visibility features or standardized shapes for additional clarity.

Outcome: the committee adopted the A1 amendment and recommended House File 944 to the general register by voice vote. The committee and DNR said they would pursue public education about the new marking option if it becomes law, including outreach to hunters and recreational users.