HB 13-1014 Summary

• Repeals the previous newspaper theft statute (18-4-419) and replaces it with a new offense called "Interference with Lawful Distribution of Newspapers" (18-9-314).

• Makes it illegal to obtain or control more than 5 copies of a newspaper edition from a publisher's distribution container with intent to prevent others from reading it, if notice of this restriction is posted on the newspaper or container.

• Establishes penalties as an unclassified misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 for 100 or fewer newspapers, up to $2,500 for 101-499 newspapers, and up to $5,000 for 500 or more newspapers.

• Provides a private civil right of action for newspaper publishers, advertisers, and regular readers to recover actual damages, a $10 civil penalty per newspaper, and attorney fees and costs.

• Exempts property owners who remove or dispose of newspapers deposited on their property without authorization from the publisher.