HB 1562 Summary

• Establishes farmer rights to own, breed, farm, and sell animals and conduct agricultural operations free from terrorism and interference by unauthorized persons.

• Creates new crime of "unlawful recording of agricultural operations" as Class A misdemeanor for entering another's property with an active agricultural operation and photographing or recording without written owner consent.

• Enhances penalties for existing crimes (theft, burglary, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, criminal conversion) when targeting agricultural operations or livestock by raising offense classifications.

• Requires the board of animal health to establish a registry of persons convicted of crimes concerning agricultural operations and livestock.

• Makes obstructing lawful agricultural operations through coercion, fear, or intimidation a Class B misdemeanor (Class A misdemeanor if vehicle used; Class D felony if causes serious bodily injury).