This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2009, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A bill passed its final hurdle in the Senate Thursday, 21-1, that would impose tough penalties on anyone who wants to pull a future Tim DeChristopher.
HB437, sponsored by Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab, addresses individuals who bid on land leases at a natural resource auction with no intent to buy.
The bill defines such actions as a 3rd degree felony, bringing a $7,500 minimum fine and whatever jail time the court deems appropriate.
In December, DeChristopher, a U of U student, successfully bid on several land leases slated for oil exploration near some of the state's scenic natural wonders, an act he described as civil disobedience.
