Gov. Eric Holcomb this week held a ceremonial signing of legislation with State Rep. Dave Wolkins on a wide-ranging environmental bill.
But one of the most interesting aspects involves purple paint.
Beginning July 1, the law will equip Hoosier landowners with a commonsense, cost-effective approach to mark their property and prohibit trespassing, according to Wolkins.
The legislation expresses support for the use of purple paint to be used to indicate private property and “no trespassing.”
The idea, which is popular in a handful of other states, allows property owners, including farmers, another tool to mark off their territory and protect their property from trespassers.
By using vertical purple paint lines on trees and posts, property owners will not have the expense of building and maintaining fences or signs that may fade or be torn down.
“This is an efficient, simple way for landowners to keep trespassers out,” said Wolkins, the House Committee Chair of Environmental Affairs.
“It will also help minimize a property owner’s liability, prevent accidental trespassing and make it easier to prosecute trespassers. Because the paint cannot be easily removed, it can be effective for several years.”
Wolkins said Friday the concept is popular with the Farm Bureau, but admitted there will need to be an effort to educate the public about the purple paint prerogative.
The legislation also authorizes additional facilities to help law enforcement safely dispose of collected and confiscated drugs. Regulated combustion facilities that meet newly expanded and monitored criteria will now be allowed to process and destroy those substances.
“This will help alleviate a heavy burden on law enforcement, and drive down costs in local communities by expanding the amount of facilities that may take on this type of work,” Wolkins said.
“Of course, a law enforcement officer will be involved in all aspects of the procedure.”
Indiana currently uses 18 mobile drug incinerating systems to dispose of prescription and seized drugs.
