LANDOWNER ENCROACHMENT AND TIMBER THEFT ACT.

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View NCGA Bill Details2017-2018 Session
Senate Bill 532 (Public) Filed Wednesday, March 29, 2017
AN ACT TO PROVIDE RESOURCES, AUTHORITY, AND GUIDANCE TO THE NORTH CAROLINA FOREST SERVICE LAW ENFORCEMENT SECTION TO MONITOR AND REDUCE LOSSES DUE TO LANDOWNER ENCROACHMENT, TIMBER, AND OTHER NATURAL RESOURCE THEFT OR LOSS AND TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES ASSOCIATED WITH THESE CRIMES.
Intro. by McInnis, Brock.

Status: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate (Senate Action) (Mar 30 2017)

Bill History:

S 532

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: Mar 30 2017 - View Summary

    Directs the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to provide additional training, public outreach, and staffing to the North Carolina Forest Service Law Enforcement Section for reducing intentional timber theft, and act as public liaison for landowner's property rights. Provides specifics for the stationing, training, and duties of these officers. Directs the Forest Service Law Enforcement Section to develop the implementation plan, time line, and performance measures for these officers, and to report its progress to the Joint Agricultural and Forestry Commission before the 2018 General Assembly convenes.

    Amends GS 14-128 (Injury to trees, crops, lands, etc., of another) to provide that the crime described in that statute is a Class A1 misdemeanor (currently, Class 1 misdemeanor).

    Amends GS 14-136 (Setting fire to grass and brushlands and woodlands) to make the misdemeanor for a first offense described in that statute a Class 1 (currently, Class 2) misdemeanor, and for subsequent offenses a Class A1 (currently, Class 1) misdemeanor. Makes the felony for an offense under that statute with intent to damage the property of another a Class H (currently, Class I) felony.

    Amends GS 14-138.1 (setting fire to grass land, brush land, or woodland) to make that offense a Class 2 (was, Class 3) misdemeanor.

    Amends GS 14-383 (Cutting timber on town watershed without disposing of boughs and debris; misdemeanor) to make the misdemeanor found in that section a Class 1 (currently, Class 2) misdemeanor.

    Appropriates $48,000 in nonrecurring funds for 2017-18 from the General Fund to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, North Carolina Forest Services, for planning, agency training and administration, and basic law enforcement training for 10 staff members, and $214,500 in nonrecurring funds for 2018-19 for three additional full-time employees, five enrollments in basic law enforcement training, and additional equipment and support.

    Effective July 1, 2017.