H.B. 1499 Summary

• Amends criminal trespass law on state lands to exclude lands designated as safe havens by state departments or agencies, or lands under executive order by the governor to be used as safe havens with a department of health component and adequate space (excluding state hospitals).

• Adds requirement that county police departments must respond to requests from state departments or agencies to remove persons unlawfully on state lands in violation of the criminal trespass statute and remove the alleged violators if possible.

• Clarifies that convictions under the criminal trespass statute cannot be used to establish felony convictions under section 708-803.

• Establishes definitions for "improved state land" to include structures, buildings, facilities, or permanent land alterations, while excluding minor improvements like utility poles, signage, irrigation facilities, fences, and trails, or routine state maintenance activities.

• Takes effect upon approval.