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 proper authorization. Specifically, entry is permitted only if the property owner or lessee grants permission, or if the employee is a park and recreation officer or peace officer acting under certain conditions, such as having a warrant, believing evidence of a crime may be destroyed, or being in hot pursuit of a suspect.

Additionally, the bill modifies section 1602 to clarify the powers of department officers regarding legal proceedings and property searches. It allows these officers to file complaints and prosecute violations of laws without needing the sanction of a county prosecuting attorney, and it specifies that they may search public or private property without a warrant under certain conditions. The term "private property" is defined to exclude dwellings and their curtilage, ensuring that officers cannot enter homes without proper legal justification.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.1602