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H.B. 153 Enrolled

             1     

TRESPASS LAW AMENDMENTS

             2     
2009 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Chief Sponsor: John G. Mathis

             5     
Senate Sponsor: Dennis E. Stowell

             6     
             7      LONG TITLE
             8      General Description:
             9          This bill modifies the Criminal Code regarding trespass on agricultural and range
             10      lands.
             11      Highlighted Provisions:
             12          This bill:
             13          .    creates the offense of criminal trespass on agricultural or range lands;
             14          .    creates the offense of cutting, destroying, or rendering ineffective the fencing of
             15      agricultural or range lands;
             16          .    describes the requirements necessary in order for a person to enter these lands
             17      lawfully;
             18          .    provides definitions; and
             19          .    provides a civil penalty.
             20      Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
             21          None
             22      Other Special Clauses:
             23          None
             24      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             25      ENACTS:
             26          76-6-206.3, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             27     
             28      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             29          Section 1. Section 76-6-206.3 is enacted to read:


             30          76-6-206.3. Criminal trespass on agricultural land or range land.
             31          (1) As used in this section:
             32          (a) "Agricultural or range land" and "land" mean land as defined under Subsections
             33      (1)(d) and (e).
             34          (b) "Authorization" means specific written permission by, or contractual agreement
             35      with, the owner or manager of the property.
             36          (c) "Criminal trespass" means the elements of the crime of criminal trespass under
             37      Section 76-6-206 .
             38          (d) "Land in agricultural use" has the same meaning as in Section 59-2-502 .
             39          (e) "Range land" means privately owned land that is not fenced or divided into lots
             40      and that is generally unimproved. This land includes land used for livestock.
             41          (2) A person is guilty of the class B misdemeanor criminal offense of criminal trespass
             42      on agricultural or range land and is liable for the civil damages under Subsection (5) if, under
             43      circumstances not amounting to a greater offense, and without authorization or a right under
             44      state law, the person enters or remains on agricultural or range land regarding which notice
             45      prohibiting entry is given by:
             46          (a) personal communication to the person by the owner of the land, an employee of the
             47      owner, or a person with apparent authority to act for the owner;
             48          (b) fencing or other form of enclosure a reasonable person would recognize as
             49      intended to exclude intruders; or
             50          (c) posted signs or markers that would reasonably be expected to be seen by persons in
             51      the area of the borders of the land.
             52          (3) A person is guilty of the class B misdemeanor criminal offense of cutting,
             53      destroying, or rendering ineffective the fencing of agricultural or range land if the person
             54      willfully cuts, destroys, or renders ineffective any fencing as described under Subsection
             55      (2)(b).
             56          (4) In addition to restitution, as provided in Section 76-3-201 , a person who commits
             57      any violation of Subsection (2) or (3) may also be liable for:


             58          (a) statutory damages in the amount of the value of damages resulting from the
             59      violation of Subsection (2) or $500, whichever is greater; and
             60          (b) reasonable attorney fees not to exceed $250, and court costs.
             61          (5) Civil damages under Subsection (4) may be collected in a separate action by the
             62      owner of the agricultural or range land or the owner's assignee.


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