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NJ S740

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/9/2024

Primary Sponsor

Douglas Steinhardt

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2024-2025 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Removes the requirement to prove "knowing or reckless" conduct as an element of agricultural trespass, making the offense easier to prosecute

  • Expands trespass activities to include encroaching on agricultural land by any means—on foot, horseback, motorized or non-motorized vehicle, or equipment—without written permission from the landowner

  • Adds "equipment" to the list of protected tangible property that, if damaged, constitutes agricultural trespass alongside fences, buildings, feedstock, crops, trees, and domestic animals

  • Broadens the definition of "lands" subject to agricultural trespass to include appurtenant woodland (contiguous to at least 5 acres of agricultural use, including Christmas tree production) and land used for storing or maintaining agricultural equipment

  • Maintains existing civil penalties: minimum $100 for basic trespass, and at least $1,000 plus attorney fees and restoration costs for operating vehicles/equipment or causing property damage on agricultural lands

Legislative Description

Revises elements of offense of agricultural trespass, expands number and type of activities constituting agricultural trespass, and expands definition of "lands" susceptible to agricultural trespass.

Economic Growth

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee

1/9/2024

Committee Referrals

Economic Growth1/9/2024

Full Bill Text

No bill text available