Warnick’s Agritourism Bill Moves On To Inslee

Legislation limiting the liability ranchers and farmers face during agritourism activities cleared its final legislative hurdle this week.  The state House made minor changed to Senator Judy Warnick’s legislation, and then moved the bill to Governor Jay Inslee for his signature.  Senate Bill 5808 clarifies liability when farmers open their operation up to the public for Christmas trees, pumpkins for Halloween, you pick apples or any other public activity.

Currently 21 other states have similar laws.  Warnick said agritourism provides millions of dollars to local economies across Central and Eastern Washington.

“Getting insurance for these kinds of activities can be unduly expensive,” said Warnick. “We need this clarification to help family farms be more economically viable, engage with broader audiences, and have some protections when they are acting responsibly.”

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