Lead by the passage of a strong no trespassing law, the just-completed 2006 Oklahoma legislative session is being labeled by the state’s largest farm organization as a successful session for rural Oklahomans.
“It was a great session for rural and agriculture interests, especially private property owners” Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Steve Kouplen said.
When lawmakers passed HB 2984 it shifted the burden from landowners to trespassers.
“This is a big deal because it places the burden of responsibility on the person entering the property,” Lori Peterson, Vice President of OFB Governmental Relations, said.
Specifically, the bill, which applies only to agricultural land, stipulates unless someone has express or implied permission or legal authority to be on the property they are considered to be trespassing.
“Strengthening trespassing laws has long been a priority for Farm Bureau,” Kouplen said, “and we want to thank legislators for recognizing the need this year.”
The Beggs rancher singled out four legislators for their strong support of the new bill, State Senators Frank Shurden and Daisy Lawler and State Representatives Shane Jett and Jeff Hickman. The trespassing bill now awaits the Governor’s signature.
In addition to the trespassing legislation, Peterson said there were several other key actions this session that will benefit rural Oklahoma.
* The wheat harvesting bill, HB 2895, makes it easier for custom harvesters to get a
harvesting permit in Oklahoma.
* Legislation limiting hunting and fishing permission to one year.
* A $100 fee for water permits was defeated.
* The House passed legislation affirming animal manure is not a hazardous waste. Unfortunately, the Senate failed to give the bill a hearing.
* Rural interests defeated a measure labeling the popular weed herbicide 2-4D as a restricted use chemical. At the same time, legislation was passed protecting cotton producers and growers of other crops easily damaged by hormone herbicides such as 2-4D in a five county area of southwest Oklahoma.
Peterson expressed disappointment no eminent domain bill was passed but the reason is easily understood.
“When the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled in our favor protecting a Muskogee County landowner, lawmakers assumed it was not necessary to make additional changes to the law,” Peterson said.
Even though the regular session is finished lawmakers must return to the Capital for a special session to complete work on the state’s budget. Peterson believes there is also hope they will pass a bill eliminating estate taxes.
