INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – A hotly debated measure to increase penalties against farm trespassers is moving forward in the Indiana House.
 
The House Judiciary Committee approved a bill Monday to make trespassing on the production area of farm property a criminal offense. The legislation also would make causing property damage to a farm an act of criminal mischief.

The bill has been revised again and again after media and animal rights advocacy groups blasted it as an attempt to restrict whistleblowers on animal treatment at farms.
 
An earlier version of the bill would have banned videotaping or photography on farms without permission. Another version would allow farmers to ban any activities on their property that could cause financial loss.