Holland Reporter

The Michigan House has given its approval to a bill introduced by Representative Bradley Slagh, aimed at enhancing the protection of private property owners against unauthorized trespassing. The legislation was motivated by local residents' concerns about inadequate law enforcement response to trespassing incidents.

Slagh highlighted the issue faced by property owners: “Even with a significant number of no trespassing signs posted along the boundaries of their property, property owners reported that law enforcement would not prosecute because they claimed there wasn’t adequate signage.”

Under existing Michigan law, signs must be placed such that at least one is visible from any entry point onto the property. The Department of Natural Resources interprets an entry point as any gap in a tree line. According to Slagh, this interpretation could require placing signs on every tree along the boundary, which he described as impractical.

Slagh’s bill proposes a change to require signs at intervals of no more than 250 feet along the boundary. This aims to provide a clear and reasonable standard for both property owners and law enforcement, ensuring effective enforcement of recreational trespassing laws.

House Bill 4682 received bipartisan support in the House and will now proceed to the state Senate for consideration.