People face criminal penalties for unjustified returns during transit bans

People who return during a transit ban without a legal reason or good excuse commit a misdemeanor, a criminal offense. The offense covers entry into transportation facilities and services covered by a warning from a transit director, supervisor, or their designated staff. A conviction carries a fine of up to $200 or up to 30 days in jail. These rules apply alongside other laws against trespassing or unlawful entry. The offense applies during the period stated in the warning. The law took effect on May 19, 2026.

Transit directors and supervisors, or their designated staff, can ask people to leave and warn them not to return for a set time. Unless the notice limits its reach, the ban covers all transportation facilities and services run by that transit authority. The person must commit an act listed in Section 58-23-1830 or a criminal offense. Facilities must post the listed prohibited conduct. The person must receive a written notice in a law enforcement officer's presence. It must state the alleged violation, the ban's length, and how to appeal. The law took effect on May 19, 2026.

A person can challenge a transit ban by asking the transit authority's board for a hearing. The appeal process covers people who receive a written transit trespass warning. The person must request the hearing within five business days of receiving the warning. The board must provide a hearing within ten business days of the appeal request. The law took effect on May 19, 2026.