SB 6352-S - DIGEST
(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Provides that, in addition to the surety bond required under RCW 19.30.040, the director shall require the deposit of a separate repatriation bond by any person acting as a farm labor contractor under chapter 19.30 RCW and participating or applying to participate in the federal H-2A visa program established under section 218 of the federal immigration and nationality act of 1952 as amended (8 U.S.C. Sec. 1101, 1184, and 1188). The purpose of the repatriation bond is to cover travel expenses for returning H-2A workers to their home in their country of origin, and room, board, and other living expenses for H-2A workers while they await repatriation if the farm labor contractor fails to make timely repatriation of H-2A workers when appropriate.

Authorizes any person to protest the issuance or renewal of a license under this act. The director shall not issue a license to operate as a farm labor contractor if the director determines that: (1) The applicant has made any misrepresentations or false statements in his or her application for a license;

(2) The applicant owes any debts or has any outstanding judgments from administrative or judicial determinations against him or her or any of his or her agents, partners, associates, stockholders, or profit sharers arising out of his or her farm labor contracting activities in this or any other state or country;

(3) The applicant has repeatedly violated, or willfully aided or abetted any person in the violation of, any laws, including international laws, federal or state laws, or laws of other nations, or any agreements with agricultural workers or third parties, related to his or her farm labor contracting activities in this or any other state or country;

(4) The applicant's character, competency, or responsibility are not satisfactory;

(5) The applicant violated chapter 19.30 RCW on or after January 1st of the year preceding the year of application.

Repeals RCW 19.30.090.