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SF1875 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Trespass law modification to allow purple markings provision

Related bill: HF944

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.001, regarding trespassing laws related to outdoor recreation and hunting.

Key Provisions:

  1. Purple Paint Markings for No Trespassing

    • Allows landowners, occupants, or authorized managers to prohibit trespassing by using purple paint markings instead of or in addition to posted signs.
    • Requirements for markings:
      • Vertical lines at least 8 inches long and 1 inch wide
      • Positioned 3 to 5 feet from the ground
      • Maximum spacing:
      • 100 feet apart on forested land
      • 1,000 feet apart on non-forested land

  2. Clarified Definition of "Forest Land"

    • Classified as land with at least 10% tree cover, reaching a height of 13 feet at maturity, and showing natural tree regeneration.

  3. Modification of Posting Requirements

    • Landowners can still post signs (No Trespassing) with two-inch-high letters at proper intervals as an alternative to purple markings.

  4. Trespass Enforcement

    • Knowingly entering posted or marked land for outdoor recreation without permission is prohibited and punishable under section 97A.315.

  5. Wounded Game Retrieval Clarification

    • Hunters may enter unmarked, unposted land on foot to retrieve wounded game but must leave immediately after retrieval.

  6. Revisor Instruction

    • Renumbers subdivision 1a to subdivision 1c to accommodate the changes.

Purpose of the Bill:

  • Provides an additional, easily recognizable method (purple paint) for landowners to mark private property and restrict trespassing.
  • Aligns Minnesota's law with similar "Purple Paint Laws" in other states.
  • Clarifies existing legal definitions and enforcement provisions regarding trespassing and wildlife retrieval.

This bill was introduced in the Minnesota Senate (S.F. No. 1875) and referred to the Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee for further consideration.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 26, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 26, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 26, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy
February 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy
SenateNoteActionHF substituted in committee

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New permission rules for marked lands.",
        "Allows purple paint marks as a recognized method for posting land."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies trespass laws to include purple markings as a form of posting under Minnesota Statutes section 97B.001, subdivision 4.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies requirements for signage and markings to ensure visibility."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97B.001",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends the retrieval of wounded game from unposted lands under Minnesota Statutes section 97B.001, subdivision 5.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies conditions under which a person may enter unposted land to retrieve wounded game."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97B.001",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  }
]

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