Senate panel backs SB 1337, to ban surreptitious video of ag operations

The Senate Agriculture Committee has voted in favor of SB 1337 this morning, the bill to outlaw taking or distributing video of agricultural operations without permission, on a voice vote, after a nearly three-hour hearing. “I don’t think there’s one person on this committee that will stand and support any kind of animal abuse,” said Sen. Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d’Alene. Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking, D-Boise, cited her own agricultural background. “I support the intent of the bill and I’m equally worried about activists who have an agenda,” she said, “but I think the bill is too broad, and so I will be voting no.”

“This is a property rights issue – do you have the right to control the activities on your own property or not?” said Sen. Jim Rice, R-Caldwell “That is one of the fundamental things that makes America America. It has made us a beacon to the world.” The bill now moves to the full Senate; it needs passage both there and in the House and the governor’s signature to become law.