HF944 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Trespass law modified to allow purple markings.

Related bill: SF1875

AI Generated Summary

The bill proposes amendments to Minnesota's trespass law as it relates to natural resources, specifically modifying how private and public lands can be marked to indicate restrictions against unauthorized access. Here are the key changes introduced in the bill:

  1. Definition of Forest Land: Introduces a specific definition of 'forest land' which is described as land having at least 10% tree cover that will mature to at least 13 feet and shows signs of natural tree regeneration.

  2. Trespassing on Posted or Marked Land: It outlines stronger regulations against entering land that has been explicitly prohibited for outdoor recreational purposes without permission. This includes land marked by the owner, lessee, or manager with signs or distinctive purple paint marks.

  3. Requirements for Posting Land:

    • Signs must clear state “no trespassing” or similar terms, contain letters at least two inches high, and include the name and contact info of the person posting.
    • Signs should be posted annually and placed at frequent intervals along the boundary—1,000 feet apart generally, but only 500 feet apart in less clear, wooded areas. Entrances to the property must be duly marked.
    • Purple paint marks can be used in place of signs; these should be vertical, at least 8 inches long and 1 inch wide, between 3 and 5 feet above the ground, and made visible to approaching persons. Placement should be no more than 100 feet apart on forest land and 1000 feet apart on other lands.
  4. Retrieving Wounded Game: The bill clarifies the conditions under which a hunter can enter land to retrieve wounded game that was lawfully shot. Entry is allowed without permission only if the land is not posted or marked as per the stipulated requirements. The hunter must exit the property immediately after the retrieval.

  5. Prohibition Against Unauthorized Posting: Makes it illegal to post signs or markings prohibiting outdoor recreation or trespassing without having a legitimate property right.

Additionally, the bill includes a directive for the revisor of statutes to renumber certain related subdivisions for better clarity in legal referencing.

These amendments aim to effectively manage access to natural resources while clearly defining boundaries and conditions to protect both landowners and recreational users of the land.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 16, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReceived from House
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt as amended
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionSecond reading
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy
March 04, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionHouse rule 1.21, placed on Calendar for the Day
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionThird reading
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionBill was passed

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill refers to penalties related to trespassing as outlined in section 97A.315.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "97A.315"
  }
]