California Senate Bill SB651

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/25
• Refer: 3/5/25

Caption

Food and agriculture.

Impact

If enacted, SB651 will not significantly change the existing legal landscape but rather streamline the interpretation of the law by ensuring that the provisions are clear and accessible. By maintaining a focus on the agricultural industry's promotion and public welfare, the bill implies an intention to uphold the standards in food safety regulations. However, the amendments are largely administrative and aim at improving clarity rather than introducing new regulations or standards for enforcement.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 651, introduced by Senator Grove on February 20, 2025, proposes to amend Section 3 of the Food and Agricultural Code in California. The goal of SB651 is to make nonsubstantive changes to the existing provisions involving the construction of the laws pertaining to food and agriculture. Currently, the Food and Agricultural Code stipulates that in civil actions, its provisions should be liberally construed to achieve several specified purposes, including the promotion of the agricultural industry and the protection of public health and safety. This bill aims to clarify the existing language without introducing major alterations to the current legal framework.

Contention

There may not be significant contention or debate surrounding SB651 based on the information available. Since the bill addresses only nonsubstantive changes, it is unlikely to provoke the same level of scrutiny or opposition that more substantive bills might attract. Nonetheless, it is important to acknowledge that discussions in legislative sessions often reveal underlying concerns or interests related to agricultural practices, public health implications, and how laws are interpreted at various levels of government.