georgina Lambert

Testimony on HB 1139: Criminal Trespass on Secured Premises I urge careful consideration of HB 1139, which ostensibly aims to clarify criminal trespass laws while balancing the rights of landowners and the needs of vulnerable populations. However, the underpinnings of this bill raise significant concerns regarding its potential to disproportionately impact marginalized groups. While it claims to offer protective benefits, the reality is that without stringent oversight and fair implementation, these measures could result in further criminalization and trauma for individuals who may already be at risk. The proposed provisions in this bill lack concrete strategies for monitoring and equity-focused enforcement. Policymakers must recognize that increased penalties for trespass could inadvertently lead to aggressive law enforcement tactics that disproportionately affect low-income individuals and communities of color. This bill risks amplifying existing traumas rather than providing the protective benefits it claims to afford. There is a need for robust training and community education to ensure that enforcement aligns with an inclusive understanding of the diverse contexts in which trespassing may occur. Moreover, the bill does not allocate adequate resources or funding to support the necessary oversight mechanisms that would help prevent these adverse outcomes. Without intentional investments in community education, outreach, and support services, the potential for harm outweighs the intended protective measures. It is crucial that we develop policies that genuinely serve to protect all community members, especially the most vulnerable, and that these policies do not become tools of exclusion or oppression. Thus, I urge a re-evaluation of HB 1139 to ensure it aligns with principles of equity, inclusion, and social justice.