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HF 3566

Crime for damage to farm machinery and equipment established, crime for trespasses on agricultural land established, and criminal penalties provided.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Keith Allen and 2 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill criminalizes damage to farm equipment and agricultural land trespass with specified criminal penalties to protect farming operations.

Committee report, to adopt and re-refer to Public Safety Finance and Policy
#agricultureandagriculturedepartment #crimesandcriminals
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Bill Summary · HF 3566

Legislative bill overview

HF 3566 establishes new criminal offenses in Minnesota for damaging farm machinery and equipment, as well as for trespassing on agricultural land. The bill provides specified criminal penalties for these violations, creating distinct legal protections for agricultural property and operations.

Why is this important

Agricultural equipment represents significant capital investment for farmers, and unauthorized access to farmland can pose safety risks and enable theft or sabotage. This legislation aims to deter property crimes targeting the agricultural sector and create clearer legal recourse for farmers experiencing damage or unauthorized trespassing.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: Questions about what constitutes "agricultural land" and whether the law applies equally to large operations versus small family farms, and whether it covers adjacent properties or only active farm parcels
  • Trespassing enforcement complexity: Difficulty in distinguishing between criminal trespass (warranting penalties) versus civil boundary disputes, and concerns about how broadly trespass is defined (e.g., accidental entry, emergency access, environmental activism)
  • Penalty proportionality: Debate over whether criminal penalties for machinery damage are proportionate or excessive compared to civil remedies, and whether penalties vary appropriately based on damage severity and intent

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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