Ranchers urge county to weigh in on SB172 and SB204, citing worker and livestock concerns

Bonnie Little, who identified herself as owner of Little Parish Sheep Company, told the board she supports opposing parts of Senate Bill 172 and urged commissioners to consider a fuller set of objections beyond the single-issue focus on overtime. "Section 2.1 adds a required minimum 30 minute meal period every 5 hours where all other class of workers is every 8 hours," she said, arguing that travel time and remoteness make some provisions impractical for range work.

Little told commissioners she employs H-2A range workers who can be 150 miles from the nearest town and said a mandatory requirement to transport range workers into town every three weeks would impose long, multi-day absences and disrupt operations. She also flagged proposed rule changes she said would remove long-standing exemptions for range workers and potentially subject her business to increased liability and timekeeping obligations.

Commissioners discussed options for formal comment. One commissioner said the board should consider drafting a letter summarizing specific technical objections and evidence; another volunteered to coordinate with staff. Bonnie Little offered to provide prepared materials and a draft for the board: "I will definitely draft you guys something to refer to," she said. The board instructed staff to accept the materials and consider a letter to the legislature pending review.

Why this matters: SB172 and the related bills, as described by commenters, would alter pay, work‑time and advisory-board structures that local sheep producers say are uniquely burdensome for open‑range livestock operations. County action would be administrative (a letter of position) rather than a legal ruling and commissioners sought factual background before committing to formal positions.