Bill > SB5156

This bill expands the farm internship program in Washington state. The program, which has existed since 2014 in a limited number of counties, will now be available statewide without an expiration date. The bill includes requirements for small farms participating in the program, such as hiring at least one intern with experience as a migrant farmworker or whose parent/grandparent has such experience, unless no suitable applicants are available. The bill also directs the Department of Labor and Industries to adopt rules for a special workers' compensation risk class for farm interns. Overall, this bill aims to encourage participation in agriculture by providing more opportunities for students to gain hands-on farming experience through the expanded farm internship program.