Subcommittee backs change to migrant labor camp permits to avoid permit-year mismatch with H-2A job orders

Delegate Martinez told the subcommittee HB340 addresses a technical difficulty in Virginia's permit schedule: a mandatory Dec. 31 expiration date for migrant labor camp (MLC) permits can leave operators unable to obtain federal H-2A job-order certification on time.

Under the current practice Martinez described, a permit issued in October, November or December may be set to expire on Dec. 31 of the same year, which can prevent timely H-2A certifications that require a valid permit for the year applied for. HB340 would replace the fixed-year expiration with an annual permit period so applicants who apply in the fall would receive 12 months of coverage aligned with the agricultural season.

Officials from the Virginia Department of Health and industry groups including the Virginia Agribusiness Council, Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association, Virginia Farm Bureau and others testified in support. The committee voted to report the bill.

The bill was reported to the committee by voice vote and will move on to the next committee stage.