2007 Senate Bill 540 / Public Act 167

Revise trespassing definition

Introduced in the Senate

May 25, 2007

Introduced by Sen. Ron Jelinek (R-21)

To revise the definition of trespassing so as to prohibit a person from entering or remaining on another person's farm property without permission or lawful authority (as opposed to "willfully" doing so), and specifying that the owner need not request the person to leave for it to be a violation. It would not be violation if a person is in the process of attempting by the most direct route to contact the owner or his agent to request consent.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

July 18, 2007

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

July 25, 2007

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that also would increase the maximum fine for trespassing from $50 to $250.

The substitute passed by voice vote

July 26, 2007

Passed in the Senate 33 to 0 (details)

To revise the definition of trespassing so as to prohibit a person from entering or remaining on another person's farm property without permission or lawful authority (as opposed to "willfully" doing so), and specifying that the owner need not request the person to leave for it to be a violation. It would not be violation if a person is in the process of attempting by the most direct route to contact the owner or his agent to request consent. The bill would also increase the maximum fine for trespassing from $50 to $250.

Received in the House

Dec. 13, 2007

Passed in the House 90 to 18 (details)

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Dec. 20, 2007