Signed by Governor Spencer Cox

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with senate amendments and pass a bill that amends criminal trespass laws.

Highlights:

• Defines terms related to public waters for the purposes of defining criminal trespass (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that an individual is guilty of criminal trespass if they do the following (Sec. 1): 

• Touches or remains unlawfully in private property to which access is restricted currently and intent to commit a crim, cause injury, or cause fear due to their presence; 

• Knowingly remaining in a private property after receiving communication from the owner or given notice by signs or fences. 

• Specifies that this is a class B misdemeanor (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that it is a valid defense if the property was open to the public at the time, the person was following all rules and regulations, and the person touched the property in an allowed manner (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that a person may also be liable for the following in restitutions to the plaintiff (Sec. 1): 

• Statutory damages equal to $500 or three times the value of the damages; 

• Reasonable attorneys fees not exceeding $250;

• Court costs.

• Specifies that civil damages can be collected in a separate case (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that amends criminal trespass laws.

Highlights:

• Defines terms related to public waters for the purposes of defining criminal trespass (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that an individual is guilty of criminal trespass if they do the following (Sec. 1): 

• Touches or remains unlawfully in private property to which access is restricted currently and intent to commit a crim, cause injury, or cause fear due to their presence; 

• Knowingly remaining in a private property after receiving communication from the owner or given notice by signs or fences. 

• Specifies that this is a class B misdemeanor (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that it is a valid defense if the property was open to the public at the time, the person was following all rules and regulations, and the person touched the property in an allowed manner (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that a person may also be liable for the following in restitutions to the plaintiff (Sec. 1): 

• Statutory damages equal to $500 or three times the value of the damages; 

• Reasonable attorneys fees not exceeding $250;

• Court costs.

• Specifies that civil damages can be collected in a separate case (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text