The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by adding a new section, 1507, which restricts employees of the department from entering private property without authorization from the property owner or lessee. It also outlines specific circumstances under which park and recreation officers or peace officers may enter private property, such as having a warrant, believing that evidence of a crime may be destroyed, or being in hot pursuit of a criminal suspect.

Additionally, the bill modifies section 1602, allowing department officers to file complaints and prosecute violations of environmental laws without needing the sanction of the county prosecuting attorney. It clarifies the authority of these officers to search and seize property related to violations of environmental laws, emphasizing that they may do so without a warrant under certain conditions. The term "private property" is defined to exclude dwellings and their curtilage, ensuring that officers cannot enter these areas without proper authorization.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.1602