To Amend The Laws Concerning Sales Of Raw Milk; To Allow Sales Of Raw Milk And Raw Milk Products At Locations Other Than The Farm Where The Raw Milk Or Raw Milk Product Was Produced; And To Declare An Emergency.
Impact
The enactment of SB464 will directly affect Arkansas state laws concerning the sale and distribution of dairy products, particularly targeting the local raw milk market. The bill seeks to provide farmers with more avenues to sell their products, which advocates argue could increase economic opportunities within the agricultural sector. Farmers will be able to sell raw milk products in a wider range of settings, which supporters believe will help them reach a larger customer base and enhance their livelihoods.
Summary
Senate Bill 464 aims to amend the existing laws regulating the sale of raw milk and raw milk products in Arkansas. The bill permits the sale of these products at locations other than the farm where they are produced, expanding access for consumers and supporting local farmers. The legislation is intended to bolster the raw dairy industry by allowing sales in farmers' markets and other venues, hence promoting agricultural commerce within the state. Raw milk, which is defined in the bill as unpasteurized milk products including goat and sheep's milk, will now be subject to more lenient sales regulations than previously permitted.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB464 is generally positive among proponents, particularly local farmers and advocates for raw milk consumption. They express enthusiasm about the potential for increased sales and consumer options. However, there are concerns regarding food safety and the implications of allowing raw milk sales without stringent state oversight. Opponents of the bill may cite risks associated with the consumption of unpasteurized products, highlighting health issues that could arise from the lack of inspections currently associated with raw milk sales.
Contention
Notably, SB464 includes an emergency clause, reflecting the urgency expressed by legislators to implement these changes due to seasonal considerations—for instance, the peak season for goat cheese production in April. Critics of the bill may argue that the deregulated sale of raw milk products could endanger public health by increasing the likelihood of foodborne illness. Therefore, while the bill presents states' rights in promoting local agricultural sales, it raises significant debates about consumer protection and safety regulations, which remain points of contention in legislative discussions.
To Amend The Law Concerning The Incidental Sale Of Goat Milk, Sheep Milk, And Whole Milk That Has Not Been Pasteurized; And To Clarify That The Incidental Sale Of Raw Milk Is Not Limited To A Sale On The Farm.
To Amend The Law Regarding Oil And Gas Production And Conservation; And To Amend The Law Regarding The Allocation Of Production And Cost Following An Integration Order.
To Amend The Law Regarding Oil And Gas Production And Conservation; To Amend The Law Regarding The Allocation Of Production And Cost Following An Integration Order; And To Define "proceeds".
To Make Technical Corrections To Title 25 Of The Arkansas Code Concerning State Government; And To Repeal The Subchapter Concerning Rules Pertaining To Milk And Cattle Production.
To Inform The Public Of Health Risks Caused By Vapor Products, E-liquid Products, And Alternative Nicotine Products; And To Ensure The Safety Of Arkansas Youth.
To Amend The Wood Energy Products And Forest Maintenance Income Tax Credit; And To Allow An Income Tax Credit For Wood Energy Products And Forest Maintenance Expansion Projects.
To Provide Consumer Protection For In-state Internet Auction Sales And Estate Sales; To Amend The Law Concerning The Auctioneers Licensing Board; And To Amend The Auctioneer's Licensing Law.