Trespassing at farms and ranches would bring stricter penalties, under a bill approved yesterday by a state Senate committee.

The bill makes it a misdemeanor to trespass at both farms and animal-food production facilities. Central Valley Senator Charles Poochigian is the measure€™s author.

He says farmers and food processors have increased security, but current law lacks sufficient penalties to deter trespassers. The state Senate Public Safety Committee approved the bill unanimously.