Current through the 2024 Fourth Special Session
Section 76-6-206.3 - Criminal trespass on agricultural land or range land(1)(a) As used in this section: (i) "Agricultural or range land" and "land" mean land as defined under Subsections (1)(a)(iv) and (v).(ii) "Authorization" means specific written permission by, or contractual agreement with, the owner or manager of the property.(iii) "Criminal trespass" means the elements of the crime of criminal trespass under Section 76-6-206.(iv) "Land in agricultural use" has the same meaning as in Section 59-2-502.(v)(A) "Range land" means privately owned land that is not fenced or divided into lots and that is generally unimproved.(B) "Range land" includes land used for livestock.(b) Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5 and 76-6-201 apply to this section.(2) An actor commits criminal trespass on agricultural or range land and is liable for the civil damages under Subsection (5) if, under circumstances not amounting to a greater offense, and without authorization or a right under state law, the actor enters or remains on agricultural or range land regarding which notice prohibiting entry is given by:(a) personal communication to the actor by the owner of the land, an employee of the owner, or a person with apparent authority to act for the owner;(b) fencing or other form of enclosure a reasonable person would recognize as intended to exclude intruders; or(c) posted signs or markers that would reasonably be expected to be seen by persons in the area of the borders of the land.(3) A violation of Subsection (2) is a class B misdemeanor.(4) In addition to an order for restitution under Section 77-38b-205, an actor who commits any violation of Subsection (2) may also be liable for: (a) statutory damages in the amount of three times the value of damages resulting from the violation of Subsection (2) or $500, whichever is greater;(b) reasonable attorney fees not to exceed $250; and(5) Civil damages under Subsection (4) may be collected in a separate action by the owner of the agricultural or range land or the owner's assignee.Amended by Chapter 111, 2023 General Session ,§ 44, eff. 5/3/2023.Amended by Chapter 87, 2022 General Session ,§ 3, eff. 5/4/2022.Amended by Chapter 260, 2021 General Session ,§ 34, eff. 7/1/2021.Enacted by Chapter 270, 2009 General Session.