Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Rights topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Panel moves bill imposing $2,500 fine and restitution for fence‑cutting trespass
Summary
The committee approved sending House Bill 22 84, aimed at curbing repeated fence cutting and damage by off‑road vehicles, to calendar and rules; sponsors said the bill imposes a $2,500 mandatory fine and allows vehicle seizure for repeat offenders.
Representative Butler told the committee that constituents with farming operations are experiencing repeated fence cutting and property damage caused by off‑road vehicles and side‑by‑sides. He said House Bill 22 84 would impose a mandatory $2,500 fine for a first trespass offense plus restitution to repair damage; a repeat offender could face the same fine, restitution and criminal seizure of the vehicle.
Members asked how prosecutors would prove a particular person cut a fence before driving across property. Butler said the bill targets trespass itself — whether or not the trespasser cut the fence — and noted restitution would cover fence repairs or crop damage. He also confirmed the bill covers motorized vehicles including bicycles and e‑bikes and may apply in urban as well as rural areas when property owners object to crossings.
After discussion the committee moved the amended bill to calendar and rules (15 ayes, 4 nos).
Next steps: House Bill 22 84 goes to calendar and rules for further consideration.
