Georgia House Bill HB1164

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/24

Caption

Crimes and offenses; offense of criminal trespass involving a wild animal; provide

Impact

This legislation is targeted at enhancing the protection of wild animals by introducing harsher penalties for intrusions into enclosures or areas where these animals are housed. Individuals who enter such areas unlawfully and cause harm or are harmed by a wild animal can face felony charges, resulting in imprisonment for up to ten years. In contrast, a second-degree offense carries a misdemeanor classification with a maximum prison sentence of one year. Moreover, the bill stipulates financial liabilities for damages resulting from the criminal trespass, holding offenders accountable for any harm inflicted on the animals.

Summary

House Bill 1164 introduces a new offense concerning criminal trespass involving wild animals. The bill amends the Official Code of Georgia to define actions considered criminal trespass when they involve wild animals, which includes land or sea animals historically found in the wild and excludes domestic animals or livestock. Additionally, the bill lays out specific penalties for individuals who violate this law, distinguishing between first-degree and second-degree offenses based on the actions taken by the perpetrator.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions regarding the balance between public safety and wildlife protection. Critics may argue that such stringent penalties could lead to unintended consequences, especially if individuals inadvertently enter such enclosures due to a lack of clear signage or if safety measures are deficient. Additionally, the accountability placed upon parents or guardians for minors committing these acts could be a point of contention, raising questions about fairness and appropriateness of liability in such situations. Furthermore, the lack of affirmative defenses could be seen as excessively punitive and may provoke concerns regarding the protection of individuals who may find themselves in precarious situations involving wild animals.