Senate committee substitute makes the following changes to 3rd edition. Amends GS 14-159.6 by adding a new subsection (c) establishing as an affirmative defense to prosecution that the person had in fact obtained prior permission of the owner, lessee, or agent as required under this statute but did not have valid written permission on his or her person at the time of citation or arrest. Deletes provision stating that a local act prevails if in conflict with GS 14-159.6(a).

House committee substitute makes the following changes to 1st edition. Deletes all provisions of the previous edition. Amends GS 14-159.6 by deleting language concerning arresting authority in Warren and Halifax counties. Further amends GS 14-159.6 to clarify that it is a Class 2 misdemeanor for any person to willfully go on the land, waters, ponds, or legally established waterfowl blind of another that is posted in accordance with GS 14-159.7 to hunt, fish, or trap without written permission (currently, without written consent). Requires written permission to be carried on one’s person, signed by the landowner, lessee, or agent, and dated within the last 12 months. Provides additional details for the written permission. Clarifies that it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to willfully go on the posted land of another to rake or remove pine needles or pine straw without written consent. Amends GS 14-159.7 by providing the owner or lessee of property an additional method of posting property by placing purple paint marks, as detailed, around the area to be posted. Amends GS 14-159.10, clarifying that Article 22A of GS Chapter 14 may be enforced by sheriffs or deputy sheriffs, law enforcement officers of the Wildlife Resources Commission, and other peace officers with general subject matter jurisdiction. Makes other conforming changes. Changes title to AN ACT TO PROTECT LANDOWNER RIGHTS.