The Michigan House has approved a bill introduced by Rep. Bradley Slagh (R-Zeeland) to better protect private property owners against unauthorized trespassing on their land. The representative said the legislation was inspired by concerns raised by local residents who had trouble receiving assistance from law enforcement following instances of trespassing.

“Even with a significant number of no trespassing signs posted along the boundaries of their property, property owners reported that law enforcement would not prosecute because they claimed there wasn’t adequate signage,” Slagh said.

Under current Michigan law, a property owner is required to post signs so they are “spaced to enable a person to observe not less than 1 sign at any point of entry upon the property.” The Department of Natural Resources interprets a point of entry as any opening in a tree line.

“That could mean a sign is required to be placed on every tree along the property line, even if the openings are very close together,” Slagh said. “That’s just not practical.”

Slagh’s legislation would clarify that signs must be posted at intervals of not more than 250 feet along the boundary, providing a clear, attainable and reasonable standard for both property owners and law enforcement so the recreational trespassing law can be enforced as intended.

House Bill 4682 was approved with bipartisan support and now moves to be considered by the state Senate.