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Alaska2026Passed Legislature

HB198

Defense for Disabling Traps on Public Land

Last scannedSep 22, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This law creates a legal defense for people who disable traps or snares on public land if they are using a public facility and reasonably believe it is needed to protect the public or property.

What it does

  • Adds an affirmative defense in court cases about obstructing lawful trapping activities when specific conditions are met.
  • Allows this defense only when someone disables a trap while lawfully using a public trail, park, campsite, or other facility on public land.
  • Requires that the person must have had an objectively reasonable belief that disabling the trap was necessary to protect the welfare of the public or private property.
  • Stops courts from awarding damages against individuals who successfully use this new affirmative defense.

Who it affects

  • People who disable traps or snares on public land in Alaska while using specific facilities.
  • Trappers whose equipment is disabled by others under these conditions and seek to recover damages.
  • Courts handling cases involving the obstruction of lawful trapping.

Limits and unknowns

  • The law only applies when a trap is disabled on public land while using specific facilities like trails or campsites.
  • It does not change rules for disabling traps in other situations, such as on private property without permission.
  • The text states the act takes effect immediately but does not list a specific calendar date.

Plain language

Terms to know

Affirmative defense
A legal argument that admits an action happened but says it was allowed by law, which can stop a person from being punished or paying money.
Objectively reasonable belief
A standard where the court decides if any normal person in that situation would have thought the same thing about needing to act.

Official record

Sources

Source checked
Official bill pageIntroduced textCurrent bill text
Read the official summary

AFFIRM. DEFENSE FOR DISABLING TRAP/SNARE An Act relating to the obstruction or hindrance of lawful trapping of game; and providing for an effective date.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. (H) Minutes (HJUD)Min
  2. (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled> -- Delayed to 5 min. Following Session --Text
  3. (H) JUDICIARY at 01:00 PM GRUENBERG 120Text
  4. (H) REFERRED TO JUDICIARY810
  5. (H) JUD, RES810
  6. (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS810