Dive Brief:
- Washington state legislature introduced HB 1104, which prevents individuals from making recordings of agricultural production facilities without the owner's permission.
- Cases against "ag-gag" laws were brought before federal district court judges in Idaho and Utah, prompting some states to wait before enacting laws of their own.
- Animals rights activists oppose the law, saying their recordings are the only way to uncover and fight animal cruelty.
Dive Insight:
HB 1104 says anyone is guilty if he or she "enters an agricultural production facility that is not open to the public and, without the facility owner’s express written consent or pursuant to judicial process or clear statutory authorization, makes audio or video recordings of the assets or conduct of an agricultural production facility’s operations..." as highlighted by Food Safety News.
In March 2013, three other states went into hearings for their own "ag-gag" laws, including Nebraska, Arkansas, and Tennesee. That year saw several "ag-gag" bills introduced in other states, including Illinois. Idaho, Utah, Iowa and Missouri, all passed similar bills since 2010.
