Ohio State Rep. Ross McGregor wants legislation that would allow for better prosecution in timber theft crimes, but the state forestry association has concerns the bill could over-regulate the industry.
House Bill 515, introduced by McGregor last week, would require a written agreement between landowners and the timber harvester that specifically shows which trees should be cut down. It would also require a written record of timber harvested from the landowner and requires records be kept by timber harvesters to allow for transparency.
The victims of timber theft often can’t file an insurance claim on the stolen trees, unlike a household item like a television. Timber theft occurs more regularly in southeast Ohio, but has happened recently in Clark County, McGregor (R-Springfield) said.
“I just think it’s time to update the statute regarding timber theft in Ohio,” McGregor said. “Right now, it’s a very loose standard and very difficult for prosecutors to go after, even though clearly theft has occurred.”
The Ohio Forestry Association, which has more than 500 in-state members, has concerns about the legislation because what it called a “heavy-handed approach” that could cause difficulties for the industry, Executive Director John Dorka said.
From the Springfield News-Sun: https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/news/springfield-rep-introduces-timber-theft-legislatio/nfbTq/