Recreation: other; recreational trespass act; modify posting requirements. Amends sec. 73102 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.73102).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brian BeGole and 14 co-sponsors

Replaces vague entry-based posting with fixed 250-foot boundary signs to define lawful recreational trespass on private land.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND AGRICULTURE

#crimes:trespassing #naturalresources:hunting #recreation:other

Purpose / Intent

To clarify the signage standard that gives legal notice to the public that private property is off‑limits for recreational activities (including hunting, fishing, trapping). The bill replaces an existing “visibility at any point of entry” requirement with a fixed maximum spacing for “no‑trespass” signs along property boundaries, intended to reduce disputes about whether a property was adequately posted.

Key provisions

Amends section 73102 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (MCL 324.73102).

Keeps existing sign specifications: minimum letter height of 1 inch and minimum sign area of 50 square inches.

Replaces the current requirement that signs be “spaced to enable a person to observe at least one sign at any point of entry upon the property” with a numerical standard: posting signs must be placed at intervals of no more than 250 feet along the property boundary.

Leaves other statutory exceptions and provisions intact (e.g., special rules for farm property/wooded areas connected to farms, anglers using navigable streams, limited entry to retrieve hunting dogs, and consent rules for entry).

Who would be affected

Private landowners and lessees — must post boundaries according to the new spacing rule to rely on the statutory trespass prohibition for recreational users.

Hunters, anglers, trappers, and other recreational land users — the change affects when entry without consent is criminal/civil trespass.

Local law enforcement, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officers, and prosecutors — may see more consistent standards for enforcing recreational trespass.

Landowner associations and real estate interests — affected by compliance practices and enforcement outcomes.

Procedural / timeline notes

Sponsor: Rep. Bradley Slagh (primary sponsor; multiple cosponsors listed).

Reintroduced from a prior session (same concept as HB 4682, 2023–24).

House analyses and committee reports prepared March–April 2025 (House Fiscal Agency, Senate staff summaries).

Fiscal impact: non‑state‑bearing — analyses indicate no fiscal impact on state or local government.

Status (as of documents provided): introduced in 2025 and referred to committees (Natural Resources and Tourism in the House; referred to Natural Resources and Agriculture in the Senate after House action).

Practical effects / considerations

Provides a clear, objective standard (≤250 ft) to show lawful posting — likely reduces litigation and inconsistent enforcement tied to ambiguous “point of entry” interpretations.

Depending on property shape and size, the 250‑foot spacing could increase or decrease the number of signs required compared with current practice; potential modest cost to landowners for purchasing/placing additional signs.

Enforcement and landowner guidance (how to measure along irregular boundaries, corners, public right‑of‑ways) may require clarifying guidance from DNR or local law enforcement.

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