HB175 Summary

• Expands law enforcement seizure authority to include felony offenses involving theft of timber harvesting equipment, parts thereof, and unauthorized harvesting, removal, transportation, or disposal of forest products, in addition to existing timber or lumber theft offenses.

• Requires law enforcement officers to seize motor vehicles and other equipment in possession of persons charged with these expanded felony offenses.

• Changes delivery requirement from district forester to regional forester of the forestry region where the arrest is made.

• Specifies that seized vehicles and equipment must be kept in safe condition until disposed of, with reports required to district attorneys within five days of arrest or final conviction.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.