H.B. 153

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

28 (1) As used in this section:
29 (a) "Agricultural or range land" and "land" mean land as defined under Subsections
30 (1)(d) and (e).
31 (b) "Authorization" means specific written permission by, or contractual agreement
32 with, the owner or manager of the property.
33 (c) "Criminal trespass" means the elements of the crime of criminal trespass under
34 Section 76-6-206 .
35 (d) "Land in agricultural use" has the same meaning as in Section 59-2-502 .
36 (e) "Range land" means privately owned land that is not fenced or divided into lots and
37 that is generally unimproved. This land includes land used for livestock.
38 (2) A person is guilty of criminal trespass on agricultural or range land and is liable for
39 the civil damages under Subsection (5) if, under circumstances not amounting to a greater
40 offense, and without authorization or a right under state law, the person enters or remains on
41 agricultural or range land regarding which notice prohibiting entry is given by:
42 (a) personal communication to the person by the owner of the land, an employee of the
43 owner, or a person with apparent authority to act for the owner;
44 (b) fencing or other form of enclosure a reasonable person would recognize as intended
45 to prevent trespass; or
46 (c) posted signs or markers that would reasonably be expected to be seen by persons in
47 the area of the borders of the land.
48 (3) A violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor.
49 (4) In addition to restitution, as provided in Section 76-3-201 , a person who commits
50 any violation of Subsection (2) may also be liable for:
51 (a) statutory damages in the amount of the value of damages resulting from the
52 violation of Subsection (2) or $500, whichever is greater; and
53 (b) reasonable attorney fees and court costs, but not to exceed $250.
54 (5) Civil damages under Subsection (4) may be collected in a separate action by the
55 owner of the agricultural or range land or the owner's assignee.

Legislative Review Note
as of 2-2-09 1:46 PM

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel