HB 3194
Establishes joint and several liability for landowners under certain circumstances involving the operation of farmworker camps.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
35%
Oppose
65%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes that landowners and those operating farmworker camps on their property are jointly and severally liable for violations of farmworker camp regulations. Landowners can avoid liability if they demonstrate they didn't know about the camp's operation and delegated responsibility to a compliant operator. The bill also modifies the remedies available for violations of these regulations, increasing potential damages for operators found in violation.
Key provisions
- Landowners and farmworker camp operators are jointly and severally liable for camp violations.
- Landowners can avoid liability if they lacked knowledge and delegated operation to a compliant operator.
- A rebuttable presumption exists that a landowner did not know of an unregistered camp.
- The bill amends ORS 658.705 to define key terms related to farmworker camps.
- ORS 658.805 is amended to clarify the process for enforcing farmworker camp regulations and increase potential damages for operators.
- The bill specifies that farmworker camps do not include small, family-occupied dwellings or commercial hotels.
- It establishes a process for obtaining a camp indorsement.
- The bill allows government agencies to bring suits to enjoin violations of regulations.
Who is affected
- Landowners
- Farmworker camp operators
- Farmworkers
- Farmers
- The Bureau of Labor and Industries
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
James Manning Jr.
Cosponsor
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of the bill aim to modernize the Camp Operator Registration Act (CORA) to address inadequate housing conditions and lack of recourse for agricultural workers in Oregon's cannabis industry. They advocate for stronger policies to protect these workers, citing concerns over hazardous living conditions, exploitation, and human rights abuses. The proposed legislation seeks to hold landowners accountable for the actions of unregistered labor camp operators, improve living conditions, increase accountability, promote fairness in the industry, and provide stronger protections for workers. By amending CORA and focusing enforcement on unregistered camps, supporters hope to create a safer and more equitable environment for farmworkers, particularly immigrant workers who face forced labor, threats, and violence in the illegal marijuana industry.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of House Bill 3194 express concerns about its potential impact on farmers, landowners, and the agricultural industry. They argue that the bill would impose undue liability on landowners for events beyond their control, creating significant financial risk and burden, particularly for small-scale farmers and family-owned operations. Many that the legislation would unfairly hold landowners responsible for issues such as hidden illegal grows and labor camps, which are unlikely to be involved in leased farmland. Additionally, opponents argue that the bill's overly broad language could result in enormous liabilities for landowners and expand liability beyond the stated goals of the bill. Some testifiers also express concerns about the potential impact on the judiciary system, workforce housing options, and the ability of farmers to manage their properties without excessive government oversight.