March 1, 2022 3:20 a.m.

On Monday, the Oregon House passed a bill to address worker mistreatment and labor trafficking associated with illegal cannabis cultivation and distribution.

A release from Oregon House Democrats said House Bill 4074 B will provide $6 million in grant funding to community-based organizations responding to humanitarian concerns at illegal marijuana operations.

Representative Pam Marsh, a Jackson County Democrat said “I have been deeply troubled by the illegal activity we have seen in my community. We’ve heard about people living and working in desperate conditions without protections or safety measures”. Marsh said the legislation provides critical funding to help communities begin to understand and address the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding.

The release said the funding will allow local organizations to provide services such as translation, housing and legal support to vulnerable workers. Workers and law enforcement have reported significant worker safety issues at illegal grows, including violence, threats, stolen wages and unsafe living and working conditions.

The bill passed the House 59-0 and moves to the Senate.