The provisions of the bill addressed by this analysis would amend the Agriculture Code as it relates to the protection of crop and animal facilities and creating a criminal offense. Under the provisions of the bill, a number of actions related to animal and crop facilities would be punishable as a Class B Misdemeanor if the actor causes a loss to the animal or crop facility in an amount more than $500, and a Class A Misdemeanor if the actor causes a loss to the animal or crop facility in an amount more than $2,500.
A Class A Misdemeanor is punishable by confinement in county jail for a term not to exceed one year and, in addition to confinement, an optional fine not to exceed $4,000. A Class B Misdemeanor is punishable by confinement in a county jail for a term not to exceed 180 days and, in addition to confinement, an optional fine not to exceed $2,000.
This analysis assumes implementing the provisions of the bill would not result in a significant impact on the demand for state correctional resources.