INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - An Indiana Senate committee has delayed a vote on a proposed crackdown on farm trespassers.
The bill aims to protect farmers who say that unwanted visitors could hurt their business by taking unflattering photos or sharing trade secrets. A similar bill failed last year.
Senate criminal law committee chairman Mike Young of Indianapolis says work being done preparing an amendment to the bill is behind the wait. A committee vote had been expected Tuesday.
The current bill would allow farmers to hang signs banning whatever they deem as harmful activities. Violators could face felony charges.
Animal-rights activists and others are concerned the bill could discourage whistleblowers from reporting animal cruelty on farms. Some opponents have also raised First Amendment objections.
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