SB 5859-S - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/16/03)

Declares that a person commits the crime of mineral trespass if the person intentionally and without the permission of the claim holder or person conducting the mining operation: (1) Interferes with a lawful mining operation or stops, or causes to be stopped, a lawful mining operation;

(2) Enters a mining claim posted as required in chapter 78.08 RCW and disturbs, removes, or attempts to remove any mineral from the claim site;

(3) Tampers with or disturbs a flume, rocker box, bedrock sluice, sluice box, dredge, quartz mill, or other mining equipment at a posted mining claim; or

(4) Defaces a location stake, side post, corner post, landmark, monument, or posted written notice within a posted mining claim.

Provides that mineral trespass is a class C felony.