The Act makes new laws about farmworker camps. Establishes that landowners and persons acting as farmworker camp operators are jointly and severally liable for operating a farmworker camp on the landowner’s property unless certain conditions are met. Modifies remedies that may be sought for violations of certain requirements for farmworker camps.

The current language of HB 3149 is overly broad, casting a wide net and possibly resulting in enormous liabilities for landowners. HB 3194 would curtail farmland lease agreements in Oregon due to liabilities outside the landowner’s control.  HB 3194 will discourage responsible housing efforts by imposing joint and severe liability on both a landowner and a housing operator, even if the landowner is not directly involved in managing the housing.

Proving that a landowner “(b) Had no actual knowledge or reason to know of the farmworker camp operator’s failure to comply with those requirements”  is nearly impossible, essentially presuming someone guilty until they prove their innocence. Each violation of any provision of ORS 658.705 to 658.850 is actual damages or [$500] $2,000,

SUBMIT TESTIMONY HERE before 3pm on 3/12

EMAIL COMMITTEE

Rep.JasonKropf@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.WillyChotzen@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.KimWallan@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.TomAnderson@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.FarrahChaichi@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.ThuyTran@oregonlegislature.gov