summary
Introduced
02/18/2025
02/18/2025
In Committee
04/03/2025
04/03/2025
Crossed Over
04/02/2025
04/02/2025
Passed
Dead
04/12/2025
04/12/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
A BILL to amend and reenact §19-18-3 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to criminal penalties for trespassing livestock; increasing the criminal penalties for the second and subsequent misdemeanor offenses of negligently permitting livestock to run at large and trespass on the property of other landowners which injures a person or destroys the property of another person; extending the period of time in which a person may be charged with a violation of the section; and creating criminal penalties.
AI Summary
This bill amends West Virginia's existing law regarding criminal penalties for livestock trespassing by increasing fines and extending the time period for charging offenses. Currently, if a livestock owner negligently allows their animals to escape and trespass on another person's property, causing injury or property damage, they will receive an oral or written warning for the first offense. For the second offense within 12 months (previously 6 months), the owner will be charged with a misdemeanor and fined between $100 and $200 (increased from the previous range of $50 to $100). For a third or subsequent offense within 12 months (also extended from 6 months), the owner will face a misdemeanor charge with increased fines ranging from $200 to $2,000 (previously $100 to $1,000). The bill aims to discourage repeated incidents of livestock trespassing and provide stronger financial penalties for landowners who do not adequately contain their animals, thereby protecting the property rights and safety of other landowners.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
To Judiciary (on 04/03/2025)
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