HB 658 Summary

• Establishes comprehensive civil trespass liability allowing landowners to recover damages of $500 minimum or actual damages, plus attorney fees and investigation costs; treble damages for trespass causing over $1,000 in property damage.

• Creates new criminal trespass misdemeanor penalties ranging from $300 infraction for first-time trespass with no damage, to $500-$1,000 fine for other first offenses, with enhanced penalties for repeat violations and felony charges for third offenses causing over $1,000 damage.

• Requires property posting with "No Trespassing" signs spaced at least every 660 feet, or conspicuous orange paint/blazes at corners and boundaries, to establish trespass liability; navigable streams remain accessible below high-water mark.

• Limits landowner duty of care to trespassers to refraining from intentional or wanton acts; establishes landowner immunity from liability for recreational use of property offered without charge.

• Allocates trespass-related fines with 10% to district court, 65% to county sheriff's office, and 25% to Idaho rangeland resources commission for private property rights education.