House Bill No. 6851 aims to amend the existing trespassing laws by explicitly allowing property owners to use purple paint as a means of marking their property boundaries to deter trespassers. The bill modifies Section 53a-109 of the general statutes, which currently defines third-degree criminal trespass. The new language specifies that a person can be found guilty of trespassing if they enter or remain on premises that are marked with purple paint, in addition to other forms of posting or fencing that indicate restricted access. This change is intended to provide a clear visual warning to potential intruders.

The bill maintains the existing penalties for third-degree criminal trespass, which is classified as a class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to three months in prison, a fine of up to $500, or both. However, it also stipulates that individuals found guilty of trespassing for hunting, trapping, or fishing will face a more severe penalty, classified as a class B misdemeanor, with fines ranging from $500 to $1,000. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and is not expected to have any fiscal impact on the state or municipalities, as it is anticipated that the number of trespassing charges will remain low.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
PS Joint Favorable:
File No. 453: