Senate committee hears bills to define and expand agritourism, with debate over neighbor protections and liquor rules

The Senate Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs Committee on Thursday heard testimony on Senate Bill 5055, a proposal to define "agritourism" in state law and let counties adopt ordinances permitting accessory agritourism activities on working farms and ranches.

The bill would allow counties to permit direct sales, educational and seasonal entertainment activities tied to on-site agriculture; clarify that agricultural buildings used for agritourism that operate six months or less per year need not meet additional commercial building-code standards; and create a limited beer-and-wine license for on-premises consumption at agritourism venues (with limited off-premises sales tied to in-state microbreweries or craft wineries). Karen Epps, committee staff, summarized the bill and noted a fiscal note has been requested.

Why it matters: supporter…