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Panel sends agricultural labor–study bill to full committee after amending funding
Summary
House Bill 2548, which directs university-based studies of farmworker labor standards and agency coordination, had its dash A9 amendment adopted by acclamation and was moved to the full committee with mixed member views over whether the bill unfairly targets agriculture.
The Capital Construction subcommittee adopted the dash A9 amendment to House Bill 2548 by acclamation and moved the bill to the full committee with a 'due pass' recommendation.
A presenter told the panel HB 2548 directs the Center for Public Service at Portland State University, in consultation with Oregon State University, to study labor standards in Oregon’s agriculture industry, focusing on health and safety risks, compensation and benefits, and employment conditions of farmworkers. The measure requires confidential in-person interviews, focus groups, and surveys of farmers and workers; the Higher Education Coordinating Commission must submit three interim reports, with the first due in May 2026 and the final due Dec. 1, 2026. The Legislative Policy and Research Office will produce a separate study with a report due Sept. 15, 2026. The dash A9 amendment appropriates general funds to the HECC to support the study.
Not all committee members supported the bill. One co-chair who opposed the bill said it assumes agriculture is doing something wrong and described the measure as unfair to farmers, asking that the committee consider broader environmental and urban factors if criticisms are being leveled. Representative Greg Smith asked whether any sponsors were farmers and said he would associate his vote with members who expressed concern. Other members said the bill includes confidentiality protections for farmers and workers and stressed the study's restricted, research-oriented scope.
The amendment was adopted without recorded objection and the committee voted on the bill; members recorded a mix of 'aye' and 'no' votes. The committee designated House carrier Representative Balderrama and a Senate carrier for floor consideration. The subcommittee closed the work session on HB 2548 and proceeded to the next agenda item.
