Proposed legislation in South Dakota would strengthen existing laws that make it a crime to steal farm animals, release animals, trespass on farms, or interfere with farm operations. If passed, Senate Bill 14 would also add criminal penalties for those using deception to enter a farm or apply for a job on a farm. There would be penalties for people who use cameras or other methods to spy on a farm or agricultural research facility. It would also be a crime to interfere with or destroy crops or farm buildings.
This proposal is similar to laws passed in Iowa about 15 years ago.
