Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of trespass in a facility housing an animal and to restitution for property damage resulting from that trespass.

HB 1720 creates a new criminal offense for entering restricted areas in facilities like zoos, conservation centers, or educational animal exhibits without permission. It specifically targets individuals who enter cages or enclosures where animals are housed, knowing they lack legal authority to do so. The law classifies this as a state jail felony, escalating to a third-degree felony if the person harassed the animal (e.g., disrupting feeding or behavior) and caused injury or death. Courts must order convicted individuals to pay restitution to the facility for animal injury, death, or property damage resulting from the trespass. The law includes limited defenses, such as entering to assist someone or an animal, but does not excuse trespass due to poor facility security.