The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed a floor measure on Thursday holding trespassers liable for property damage. The bill is designed to deter public protests like the recent Dakota Access Pipeline demonstration in North Dakota.
House Bill 2128, authored by Rep. Mark McBride (R-Moore), assigns liability to anyone who is arrested or convicted of trespass for any damaged to personal or real property. The bill also extends liability to any person or entity that compensates a person for trespassing.
At least 18 states have passed or considered legislation to curb activities that interfere with or damage property or business enterprises, according to a report by The Tulsa World.
Earlier on Tuesday, the House passed a similar bill by Rep. Scott Biggs (R-Chickasha) by a vote of 70 to 24 on the floor.
House Bill 1123 provides for a criminal penalty of up to 10 years in prison and $1 million in fines if a person is convicted of trespassing or conspiracy to commit trespassing with critical infrastructure, such as oil and gas pipelines and refineries, utilities and certain manufacturing enterprises. A conspirator organization must pay a fine equal to 10 times the amount of an individual. Willful conduct will result in felony charges and convictions.
