No impact on state funds. Under current law, a person is liable for treble the value of any tree, timber, rails, or wood the person cuts down, injures, destroys, or carries off another person's land. This bill adds the requirement that such act be done negligently or intentionally before liability attaches. No impact on state funds. Supporters say that this change is needed to clarify the level of culpability required, because negligence or intent does not appear in the statute.
Courts can interpret the current law to impose strict liability.
Testifying for the bill was Representative Hosmer. There was no opposition voiced to the committee. Hosmer Under current law, a person is liable for treble the value of any tree, timber, rails, or wood the person cuts down, injures, destroys, or carries off another person's land. This bill adds the requirement that such act be done negligently or intentionally before liability attaches.