Bill > H1838

This bill proposes to add a new section to existing Massachusetts law that would create a civil penalty for anyone who intentionally and without permission destroys or damages crops or agricultural property belonging to someone else. Specifically, the bill defines "field crop product" as anything grown for research, product development, or commercial purposes on a farm, and "agricultural property" as equipment or structures used in farming, like tools, water systems, or buildings for processing crops or housing livestock. If found liable, the person responsible could be ordered to pay the owner up to three times the value of the destroyed items, plus legal fees and costs, with courts considering the market value and production expenses. This new penalty would not prevent other legal actions under different laws, and importantly, it would not apply to government agencies or their employees acting within their official duties.