AR
Arkansas Senate Bill SB255

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB255

Introduced
2/18/25  
Refer
2/18/25  
Report Pass
4/7/25  
Engrossed
4/8/25  
Refer
4/8/25  

Caption

To Amend The Definition Of "drug" Within The Food, Drug, And Cosmetic Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

Impact

The introduction of SB255 indicates a shift in regulatory measures towards greater transparency in food production and public health safety. If enacted, this bill will require manufacturers to label food that contains vaccine materials, directly impacting the food industry and how products are presented to consumers. The bill highlights the need for informed consumer choices, particularly in light of innovative practices in biotechnology and food production. As such, it aims to protect public health by ensuring consumers are aware of the contents of their food, potentially affecting buyer confidence and market dynamics.

Summary

Senate Bill 255 seeks to amend the definition of 'drug' within the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to include articles intended for use as vaccines or vaccine materials. Specifically, the bill adds a definition for 'vaccine or vaccine material' as substances that stimulate antibody production and provide immunity against diseases. The legislation responds to increasing technological advancements in creating vaccines from edible plants, emphasizing the importance of consumer awareness regarding potential vaccine content in food products. This amendment could significantly influence how food products are labeled and marketed if they contain vaccine components.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding SB255 involves the balance between regulatory oversight and consumer rights. Proponents advocate for stringent labeling requirements as a necessary protection for consumers, especially amid growing concerns about biotechnology and its implications for health and safety. However, opponents may argue that such regulations could unduly burden food producers and complicate the labeling process. There may also be broader implications for the relationship between technological innovation in the food sector and regulatory frameworks, raising questions about the speed at which laws can adapt to scientific advancements.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1662

To Exempt The Sale Of Veterinary Drugs And Medicine If Based On A Prescription Of A Licensed Veterinarian From The Licensure Requirements For A Pharmacist And A Pharmacy; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB297

To Amend The Arkansas Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB274

To Restrict Wholesale Distributors Of Controlled Substances And Legend Drugs From Limiting Or Terminating Sales Of Controlled Substances To Certain Licensed Professionals; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1122

To Amend The Law Concerning The Dates For The Beginning And End Of The School Year; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB358

To Prohibit Industrial Hemp That Contain Certain Delta Tetrahydrocannabinol Substances; To Include Certain Tetrahydrocannabinol In The List Of Schedule Vi Controlled Substances; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB314

To Amend The Definition Of "qualified Steel Specialty Products Manufacturing Facility" For The Purpose Of The Income Tax Credit For Waste Reduction, Reuse, Or Recycling Equipment; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB508

To Amend The Used Tire Recycling And Accountability Act; To Amend The Used Tire Programs; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB493

To Amend The Arkansas Constitution Concerning Economic Development Projects; To Amend The Definition Of "economic Development Projects" Under Arkansas Constitution, Article 12, ยง 5; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1456

Creating The Fentanyl Enforcement And Accountability Act Of 2023; Concerning Fentanyl And Other Controlled Substances; To Establish Increased Penalties; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB283

Creating The Fentanyl Enforcement And Accountability Act Of 2023; Concerning Fentanyl And Other Controlled Substances; To Establish Increased Penalties; And To Declare An Emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.