Ohio House passes agri-tourism measure

VW independent/submitted information

COLUMBUS — State Representative Tony Burkley (R-Payne) announced the Ohio House’s passage of Substitute Senate Bill 75, legislation that protects providers of agritourism from civil liability in the situation that injuries occur during agritourism activities. The bill was heard in the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, of which Rep. Burkley is the vice chair. Its companion bill, House Bill 80, sponsored by Rep. Burkley, passed the Ohio House in a previous session.

Under Senate Bill 75, agritourism is defined as an agriculturally related activity for educational, historical, cultural, or recreational purposes conducted on a farm that allows the general public to enjoy such an activity. Examples of agritourism include picking fruit, feeding animals, or navigating a corn maze.

“After many months of interested party meetings and collaboration, I am pleased to see the House pass this important legislation to aide farmers throughout Ohio,” said Rep. Burkley. “Once signed and enacted, this will provide the agricultural community an additional tool to help promote the industry and educate the public.”

The bill protects agritourism providers from frivolous lawsuits resulting from accidents that occur during an activity with inherent risk, including land conditions, the actions of domestic and wild animals, and dangers associated with equipment and structures used in farming operations.

Conversely, the legislation holds all operators accountable by withholding immunity in the case of intentional disregard for participants’ safety, criminal behavior that causes harm to visitors, or failure to post required warning signs on the property.

The bill now awaits the Governor’s signature.