REQUIRE LOW, HUNTER ORANGE CHAINS

TO BAR ENTRY TO LAND

House Bill 6463

Sponsor:  Rep. Michael Lahti

Committee:  Tourism, Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation

Complete to 12-1-08

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 6463 AS INTRODUCED 9-17-08

The bill would establish a new act to prohibit any person (individual, partnership, corporation, association, government entity, or other legal entity) from using a rope, chain, wire, or similar device as a barrier to prevent access to land unless:

·                    The rope, chain, wire or similar device is covered in material that is hunter orange.

·                    It is not more than 30 inches above the ground at any point. 

"Hunter orange" would mean the color described in Section 40116 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.  That description of hunter orange includes blaze orange, flame orange, fluorescent orange, and camouflage that is at least half hunter orange. 

A violation would be classified as a state civil infraction with a civil fine of not more than $250. 

FISCAL IMPACT:

Under current law, each non-traffic-related civil infraction may be assessed the following:  civil fines that go to county treasurers to benefit local libraries, a $10 Justice System Fund (JSF) assessment, and court costs.  A violation under this bill would be assessed a fine of up to $250.  This revenue would be allocated to local libraries.  Each infraction would also be assessed a $10 Justice System Assessment which would be deposited into the state JSF.  The JSF supports various justice-related endeavors in the judicial branch, the Department of State Police, and the Department of Corrections.  In addition, the assessed court costs would generate additional revenue for the governmental unit that funds the local court.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Shannan Kane

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Viola Bay Wild

                                                                                                                           Kirk Lindquist          

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.