2024 Bills

HB 31: Help for Farmers and Agritourism

This bill passed the House and Senate unanimously. Review our tracker for more information.

Libertas Institute supports this bill

Staff review of this legislation finds that it aligns with our principles and should therefore be passed into law.

Some farmers increase the economic output of their farms and help provide for their families through a practice called agritourism. The combination of tourism and agriculture, common examples of agritourism are corn mazes, pumpkin picking patches, and educational tours for kids. These activities are beneficial for the farmer, the community, and highlight the importance of agriculture.

Luckily, HB 31 sponsored by Representative Carl Albrecht makes agritourism more viable by removing a few barriers. For example, the bill clarifies that a farmer is not liable for:

  • The behavior of insects or wildlife not owned or kept by the farmer.
  • Mere exposure to pathogens from animals, animal feed, and animal waste.
  • Injury, illness, death, or personal property damage due to the inherent risk of the activity, provided proper notice is posted.

These provisions should help farmers obtain any necessary insurance. The bill also specifies that land in an agricultural protection area can contain agritourism activities and clarifies definitions.

HB 31 should help farmers and community members alike and deserves support.