OFB: HB 3194 Would Hurt Landowners

The Oregon Farm Bureau is warning that legislation moving through the state House could have a detrimental impact on farm worker housing operations.  Under House Bill 3194, landowners can be held liable for any worker, housed illegally on the property and in violation of OSHA regulations.  The Farm Bureau points out that worker doesn’t have to be an employee of the landowner for rules to kick in.

The OFB’s Austin McClister said many bills crafted in Salem are written without an inherent understanding of how farming and the economics of farming works.  But, he said, this one is more difficult than most.

“This one basically says that you can be a farmer and you can hire a manager to go and run your farm. You are then found liable for any mistakes that that manager makes.  And that's frankly ridiculous," he said.  "Because as a business owner, how are you supposed to know, If you live in another state that your manager who you have paid to run it is doing something “illegal”?  That's not good law.”

McClister added HB 3194 does not take in account the fact that 15% of the registered farm labor housing is leased by multiple employers, making enforcement even more challenging.  On top of that, McClister said without 24/7 management of the property, landowners could be subject to steep penalties and/or costly litigation.

Farmers and producers that would like to comment on HB 3194 can do so by 3 p.m. Saturday.  Click Here to submit testimony on the proposed legislation.

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