Farmers could face jail time for heat violations

Published August 22, 2012 1:08am ET



SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Farmers could be tossed in jail and fined thousands of dollars if they fail to provide field workers with adequate water and shade under a bill that passed the state Senate on Tuesday.

California regulations already require growers to protect their workers from extreme heat, but the rules are enforced with civil penalties by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health. Under AB2676, which passed on a party line 24-12 vote over Republicans’ opposition, violations would be classified as misdemeanors, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $10,000 fine.

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