Bill > SB2250

This bill amends North Dakota's law regarding damages for injuries to timber by distinguishing between willful/wanton and negligent damage to trees or underwood on another person's land. Under the revised law, for willful and wanton injuries to timber, the damages will be set at three times the actual detriment, which means the property owner can recover significantly more than the actual value of the damaged trees. For negligent injuries to timber, the damages will be equal to the actual detriment, which means the compensation will be based solely on the direct value of the damaged trees. Previously, the law did not make this distinction and had some exceptions for casual or involuntary trespassing. By removing those exceptions and creating a clear differentiation between willful and negligent timber damage, the bill provides a more straightforward approach to calculating damages and potentially creates a stronger deterrent against intentional timber destruction.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo2250.html