Committee unanimously adopts HB 206 amendment clarifying 'government agent' and secured-premises definition
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Summary
The committee unanimously adopted an amendment to HB 206 narrowing the definition of "government agent" to law-enforcement actors and clarifying "secured premises" to mean a real fence; the panel voted 16–0 that the bill ought to pass as amended.
A committee executive session on HB 206 resulted in unanimous votes to adopt an amendment that narrows the meaning of "government agent" and clarifies the definition of "secured premises," and then to recommend the bill ought to pass as amended.
The presiding member said the amendment tightened the bill’s language so that "government agent" would mean state or local law-enforcement officers or anyone acting at the behest of law enforcement, rather than a broader class of government workers. The proposed change leaves the bill’s existing fish-and-game exemption intact.
The presiding member also said the amendment clarifies "secured premises" — changing a vague description such as "posted or a fence" to require an actual fence, to avoid future court disputes over whether a stone wall or other boundary qualifies.
There was no discussion following the sponsor’s explanation. The clerk called the roll and the amendment was adopted 16–0. The committee then voted 16–0 that HB 206 ought to pass as amended. The presiding member said the bill will proceed to the House calendar.
What happens next: With a unanimous committee recommendation, HB 206 will be reported to the full House for further consideration.