Representative Faison Files Proposed Legislation to Protect Farm Tourism Businesses from Liability

State Representative Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) has filed proposed legislation to protect agritourism businesses from claims of property damage by participants. The proposed legislation amends a Title 43 law that was enacted as part of a sweeping tort reform movement in 2009. House Bill 2371 strengthens protections that were previously enacted to create immunity from liability for agritourism professionals that own or operate a business in Tennessee. The corresponding Senate Bill (SB2423) was introduced by Senator Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains). Both Faison and Niceley are known for their pro-business and property rights positions.

Tourism has flourished in Tennessee, in part, because of the investment by farmers and other land owners, taking advantage of the natural beauty of the state. Tourism and agriculture are increasingly consolidating into what is becoming a growing industry, a sector of the tourism market that has added profit margin to farm business across Tennessee. The proposed legislation by Faison and Niceley aims to protect the growing agritourism industry from frivolous property damage claims that may arise from events and other activities held on farms, activities such as corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and farm event venues.

“ It just makes common sense to help protect the interests of our farmers that contribute so much to the growing tourism industry in Tennessee. Agritourism is unique; and this bill addresses a set of concerns that is unique to that industry” – Representative Jeremy Faison