HI SCR164

Urges the Department of Agriculture to establish a two-year statewide Agricultural Crime Pilot Project to examine and assess the effectiveness of prosecuting agricultural theft, vandalism, and trespass cases.

Requests the Department of Agriculture to create a Crimestoppers Anonymous phone line for reporting agricultural crimes and develop a more accessible online reporting form for farmers and ranchers.

Directs the Department of Agriculture to coordinate with the Department of Law Enforcement to form an Agricultural Crime Task Force that includes an interpreter for non-English speaking farmers, and to hire enforcement officers in each of the four counties.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to assess the pilot project's effectiveness by identifying conviction rates, best practices for prosecution and prevention, areas of highest crime prevalence, and recommendations for a statewide program.

Mandates interim reports to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2025 Regular Session and final reports no later than twenty days before the 2026 Regular Session, including any proposed legislation.