New Kansas law to make it a crime to trespass at pipelines

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – A bill signed into law by Democratic Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly will make it a misdemeanor to trespass near oil and gas pipelines.

The legislation also makes it a misdemeanor to trespass near oil and gas, rubber manufacturing and wastewater treatment facilities and a felony to trespass with the intent to obstruct railroad tracks.

Proponents say damaging those facilities could harm Kansans.

Some House Democrats, including two Native American legislators, said the bill targets Native American protesters like those who opposed the Dakota Access oil pipeline.