Agritourism Liability Law Pt 1

Agritourism Liability Law Pt 1

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
I'm Bob Larson. A new law is in effect that helps Agritourism farmers avoid liability for unintentional injury, loss, damage, or death from inherent risks on their land.

Tom Davis with the Washington Farm Bureau says Senate Bill 5808 was surprisingly well received ...

TOM DAVIS ... "We had the lobbyist for the trial attorneys helping. They wanted to fix some words, but we were surprised they supported it. Many urban legislators were supporting it as well and I think that shows the value that farmer still have and hold within the hearts most of us in this state and they wanted to see a way for these Agritourism farms to be able to continue offering the activities that they do, to allow kids to come out on a farm, have a good time, and learn more about agriculture."

Davis says the law went into effect in July and is welcome news to farmers that practice Agritourism of some kind ...

TOM DAVIS ... "You know, any of these family farmers that have been doing these activities for a number of years could probably each list a lawsuit that's been filed against them. And, often the case, it may be someone who fell down in the parking lot and broke a leg, twisted an ankle ... you know, sad, but should not range to the level where now you're filed with a lawsuit and you've got to hire an attorney and all of those extra expenses for those family farmers."

Davis says the Washington Farm Bureau is trying to help by placing a bulk-order to help defray the cost of the warning signs that must be posted in a clearly visible location on Agritourism sites.

We'll bring you more on this new law tomorrow.

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