While several states have ag-gag bills pending, Iowa and Utah are dangerously close to passing a law that would make it a criminal offense to take undercover photos or video of a farm.
In Utah, HB187 had already passed the House, the bill would make "agricultural operation interference" a crime, but as a Salt Lake Tribune editorial points out, "the bill . . . defines 'interference' as only one thing: taking an unauthorized photo, video or audio recording of a ranch, farm, chicken coop, etc."
What you can do: If you live in Utah, contact your state senator and ask him or her to oppose HB197.
In Iowa, the ag-gag bill has already passed both houses and is expected to be signed by Governor Terry Branstad. The House version of the bill makes it a crime to shoot undercover videos or photos at an agricultural facility. The Senate version of the bill would make it a crime to gain access to an agricultural facility under false pretenses. (Update: The House has agreed to the Senate version of the bill.)
What you can do: If you live in Iowa, contact Governor Branstad and ask him to oppose H.F. 589, the ag-gag bill. You can use the HSUS webform, but HSUS is also asking people to call Branstad ASAP at (515) 281-5211.
Don't know what ag-gag laws are and why they're dangerous? Learn more here.
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