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March 16, 2018 CapitalPress.com 11 Idaho House ag committee again OKs tougher trespass bill By SEAN ELLIS Capital Press BOISE — After almost four hours of testimony March 6, a bill backed by dozens of Idaho farm groups that would consolidate and strengthen Idaho’s trespassing laws was sent to the House floor with a “do-pass” recommendation. Again. The House Agricultural Affairs Committee on Feb. 14 voted 11-1 to approve a bill by Rep. Judy Boyle, a Republican rancher from Midvale, that amends the state’s trespassing laws. Boyle rewrote the bill to address concerns of sportsmen’s groups and others opposed to it. Following another four hours of testimony during a public hearing March 6, the committee voted 11-3 to send the updated version of the legislation to the House with a do- pass recommendation. The legislation is supported by dozens of agricultural groups. It eases the “private property” posting requirements that property owners have to follow, which cur- rently include placing orange “no trespassing” markings every 660 feet. The reporting requirements are burdensome to landowners and are not resulting in trespassing prosecu- tions, said Gary Allen, an attorney representing a 34-member coalition Capital Press File Idaho’s Capitol. The House ag committee has passed a bill toughening the state’s trespass laws. of farm and other groups that sup- port the bill. “The current law is not working for landowners,” he said. “We have a coalition of 34 groups that is saying that it isn’t working. The legislation significantly in- creases penalties for trespassing of- fenses that include damage. Under current Idaho code, someone convict- ed of trespassing faces a $50 fine. Under Boyle’s bill, someone con- victed of a civil trespass violation with damage faces a $500 minimum fine for a first conviction, $1,500 fine for a second conviction and $5,000 fine for a third conviction. Someone convicted of a criminal The annual Oregon FFA State Convention is one of the highlights of the year for the organization’s members. In Oregon, spring break is set for the last week of March, and many Oregonians will be flocking to Hood or Bachelor for some time on the slopes, or perhaps to the coast to avoid snow altogether. However, 3,000 individuals, including students, teachers and volunteers will travel from across the state to Central Oregon, united by the blue and gold of the Oregon FFA. Hosted in Redmond, Ore., the 2018 Oregon FFA State Convention will be held March 23-26 at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center. The theme of the convention, “Make Your Mark,” will set the precedent for the event, as students gather to compete and participate in several events. During the weekend, six general sessions and one business session will be held by the six current State Officers. Between these sessions, students have a wide range of options when it comes to making good use of their time at convention. Many will compete in several different Career Development Events, be recognized for their agricultural proficiencies, and awarded their FFA State Degrees. Career Development Events will determine the teams and individuals that will go on to represent Oregon at the National FFA Convention in October. trespass with damage faces a $1,500 fine for a first conviction, $5,000 fine for a second conviction and a $15,000 fine and a felony for a third conviction. “The current penalties for tres- passing do not act as a deterrent,” states a letter submitted in support of the bill by Idaho Grain Producers Association President Dwight Little. “Increasing penalties and making them more meaningful will truly act as a deterrent.” Little said IGPA members “also appreciate that this bill works to clarify and simplify landowner re- quirements for the posting of private property.” The bill requires people to get written permission slips from prop- erty owners before using their land and several committee members and people who testified questioned the practicality of that. A letter from Food Producers of Idaho in support of the bill noted that Idaho is the fastest growing state in the nation and two of the counties with the largest population increas- es, Ada and Canyon, have significant agriculture industries. “As the population has increased and the clarity between agriculture and urban has blurred, there is more chance for confusion by citizens as to what is private property,” the FPI letter states. “House Bill 658 helps bring together fragmented sections of Idaho Code addressing trespass and builds a comprehensive outline going forward.” The letter says the bill is a “tre- mendous improvement to the cur- rent law, which is often confusing and does not provide adequate deter- rence for penalties for those who do not respect the rights of a property owner.” Photo by CDarland Photography In addition, visiting state officers from different states will travel from across the country to facilitate leadership workshops for students. On Saturday night, the Wilco Benefit Concert will feature the opening act of Ned Ledoux, followed by Danielle Bradbery, 2013 winner of The Voice. Hosted in benefit of the Oregon FFA Foundation, the concert is open to the public, and tickets are currently for sale. Perhaps one of the most valuable assets the convention has to offer is the Career Show. At the largest it’s ever been, approximately 60 different booths and vendors will be open throughout the weekend. Representatives from colleges, universities and trade organizations will be present, and ready to engage in conversation with FFA members. Students will have the unique opportunity to explore future career options, and perhaps have a conversation with a future employer. The convention will close on Monday, as the 2017-2018 Oregon FFA State Officer team retires, and hand the responsibility as the leadership of the Association to the next team. There is no doubt that students will take this opportunity to be impacted in a positive way during the event, and be inspired to make their own mark as the next generation of leaders. 11-2/HOU