Sparks Proposal Protects Land Owners From Trespassers

Two bills authored by State Senator John Sparks (D-Norman), which would protect land owners from damages by trespassers overwhelmingly passed the Oklahoma Senate today.

Senate Bill 1735 and Senate Bill 2111 would allow property owners to protect their land from activities that destroy property, including damage from recreational use by all-terrain vehicles and hunting and fishing activities.

“This bill makes trespass violators accountable for the damages they cause to personal property. Responsible government means protecting property owners,” Sparks said.

Sparks said offenders, at a judge’s discretion, could be fined, jailed and held responsible for the monetary value of damages caused.

“The heart of the matter is habitual offenders, people who repeatedly destroy property, tear up crops, cut down fences, and let livestock escape,” Sparks said.