Unauthorized Entry of Agricultural Biosecurity Areas

PFB policy supports legislation to impose criminal penalties for unauthorized entry of areas posted as agricultural biosecurity areas.

House Bill 511 (Prime Sponsor – Bryan Cutler):

• Would amend the Crimes Code to create a first degree misdemeanor offense of “agricultural biosecurity trespasser” (with maximum fine of $10,000 and/or maximum imprisonment of 5 years) for: (1) entering an area posted as an agricultural biosecurity area without authorization, or (2) failing to perform biosecurity measures that the posted notice directs to be performed before entering the agricultural biosecurity area.  “Agricultural biosecurity areas” can include ag lands as well as ag buildings.

Current Status:

House Bill 511 was reported from the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, and is currently in the House Appropriations Committee.

Farm Bureau members should:

• Contact House and Senate members.
• Urge members of the House Appropriations Committee to promptly report House Bill 511 from Committee.
• Urge House and Sentate members to support and work for prompt passage of legislation contained in House Bill 511 to impose criminal penalties for unauthorized entry of agricultural biosecurity areas.