Session Law 2011-231 (House Bill 762) - Landowner Protection Act

• Modifies trespass laws to require written permission (signed and dated within 12 months) for hunting, fishing, or trapping on posted land, which must be carried and displayed upon request by law enforcement.

• Allows landowners or lessees to post property using either conspicuous signs/notices (120+ square inches, placed no more than 200 yards apart) or purple paint marks on trees/posts (8+ inch vertical lines, 3-5 feet from base, no more than 100 yards apart).

• Permits club members to satisfy written permission requirements by carrying both a current membership card and a copy of written permission granted to the club.

• Adds an affirmative defense allowing prosecution dismissal if a person obtained prior permission but failed to have valid written documentation at the time of citation or arrest.

• Expands enforcement authority to include sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, and Wildlife Resources Commission officers to enforce trespass provisions.

• Effective October 1, 2011, for offenses committed on or after that date.