Bill > HB1139

This bill modifies New Hampshire's criminal trespass law by refining the definition and requirements for "secured premises". The bill adds a requirement that a person must knowingly enter a secured premises to be considered in violation, and changes the definition of secured premises from a generic "place" to specifically mean private property. The bill provides detailed guidelines for how property owners can legally post their land to prohibit trespassing, including specific requirements for signage such as using block letters at least 2 inches high, displaying the owner's name and address, and posting signs not more than 100 yards apart at entry points. Additionally, the bill mandates that posted signs must be clearly visible from public roads or access points, positioned within property boundaries, and communicate that the property is private and access is restricted. The legislation also includes a provision requiring landowners to make reasonable efforts to provide alternative access routes in cases where public spaces like walking trails or recreational areas are involved. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, potentially impacting how criminal trespass is defined and prosecuted in New Hampshire.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1519&inflect=2