ProVision Partners



Wisconsin Ag News Headlines
Amendment to Exempt Farm Equipment from Protection Fails
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 01/21/2011

State lawmakers decided not to approve an amendment to the TORT reform bill that would have allowed an exemption for farm equipment from lawsuit protection that is over 15 years old. The measure was authored and introduced by Rep. Amy Sue Vruwink on the floor of the Assembly on Thursday for Special Session Senate Bill 1, but failed to be adopted by a party-line vote.

The Milladore Democrat, who now serves as the ranking member of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, says the current bill does not consider the farming industry or protect our farmers.

"If a farmer is injured or killed while using equipment older than 15 years, they will be unable to bring a case against the manufacturer," said Vruwink after the vote.

She says there is concern about the issue because the majority of equipment on Wisconsin farms is well over 15 years old, which is the bill's limit on manufacturer's liability.

Vruwink says the average farm tractor is at least 25 years old, and farm equipment usually lasts even longer.

"The bill could also hamper safety improvements and quality of farming equipment," she notes. "The bill will not create jobs and will not hold manufacturer's accountable for faulty or unsafe equipment. Again, partisan politics is getting in the way of common sense issues."

Amy Sue says she is hopeful that Governor Walker will add her provisions to this legislation before it is signed into law.


Other Wisconsin Headlines
L&L Sales and Service
Grand View Safety Grooving
Copyright © 2024 - Farms.com. All Rights Reserved.