Committee hears bill to criminalize intentional placement of objects in crops; laid over for further review

Vice Chair Harder introduced House File 3,566, a bill drafted after reported incidents in Meeker County where a piece of steel was found in corn and a combine sustained minor damage. Harder said the bill would create criminal penalties for intentionally placing hard objects in crops to damage harvesting machinery and would strengthen trespass protections when someone enters agricultural land with intent to damage crops or equipment.

Committee members raised questions about prosecution and whether convictions exist for this conduct; Harder acknowledged she was not aware of any convictions but said that incidents do occur and are likely underreported. Representative Hansen noted that this committee is not Public Safety and suggested jurisdictional review; members agreed to lay the bill over and consider whether referral to judiciary or public-safety committees is appropriate.

Harder gave a brief anecdote of a nearby farm where trail cameras captured a person placing metal on private property but the owner did not pursue charges. The committee laid House File 3,566 over with the option to refer it to other committees depending on jurisdictional considerations.