Environment (Public Safety)

HB 5025 allows farm owners to burn obsolete, uninsured farm structures on agricultural land without facing second-degree arson penalties. It directly affects farmers who own outdated buildings (like barns or sheds) that are uninsured and no longer in use. To qualify, owners must submit a notarized letter to the county assessor and fire department seven days before burning, confirming the structure is uninsured and meets Department of Environmental Protection permitting requirements. The bill modifies existing arson law to create this specific exemption for eligible farm structures.