HB 727/LM/CI (BR 2282) - L. Combs, D. Keene
AN ACT relating to forestry-related crimes and making an appropriation therefor.
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 364 to require contracts for sale of timber and specify contents thereof; create a new section of KRS Chapter 364 to require notice to neighbors of timber cutting; create a new section of KRS Chapter 364 to specify duties of Division of Forestry with regard to timber sales and theft; create a new section of KRS Chapter 364 to grant Attorney General, Commonwealth's attorneys, and county attorneys jurisdiction in timber theft and timber damage cases; create a new section of KRS Chapter 364 to provide whistle blower protection to persons who report timber crimes; amend KRS 364.120 to update section reference, amend KRS 364.990 relating to penalties to provide penalties for violation of new sections of act; amend KRS 514.010 relating to definitions for theft offenses to specifically include timber and trees as property which may be the subject to theft; amend KRS 514.030 relating to theft by unlawful taking to make theft of timber a Class D felony regardless of the value of the timber; amend KRS 514.110 relating to receiving stolen property to make receiving stolen timber a Class D felony regardless of the value of the timber; amend KRS 514.130 relating to forfeiture in theft cases to include heavy equipment as forfeitable; create a section of KRS Chapter 532 to provide specific measures of restitution in timber theft cases including reimbursement of costs of investigation and prosecution; amend KRS 15.380 relating to certified peace officers to require Wildland Arson Investigators of the Division of Forestry to be certified peace officers; amend KRS 149.080 to provide for the appointment of Wildland Arson Investigators by the Division of Forestry and specify their duties; amend KRS 149.991 to conform to repeal of KRS 149.380; amend KRS 513.010 relating to arson definitions to include definition of "timberland"; amend KRS 513.040 relating to arson in the third degree to include timberland; amend KRS 513.060 relating to burning property to defraud an insurer to include timberland; create a new section of KRS Chapter 513 to create the crime of timberland arson; amend KRS 364.120 to conform; repeal KRS 149.380 relating to setting fire on land owned by another; repeal KRS 364.130 relating to entry on land of another to cut timber and KRS 371.100 relating to requiring a written contract for sale of standing timber.
Mar 4-introduced in House
Mar 5-to Natural Resources & Environment (H)
Mar 10-reassigned to Judiciary (H)
