PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB72

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB72

Introduced
3/7/23  
Refer
3/7/23  
Refer
6/6/23  
Report Pass
6/21/23  
Refer
6/21/23  
Report Pass
6/22/23  
Engrossed
6/22/23  

Caption

In licenses of milk dealers, further providing for penalties in lieu of suspension; and, in weighing and testing, further providing for certified testers and for certified weighers and samplers.

Impact

The bill's amendments directly influence state laws governing the dairy industry. By formalizing the process by which milk dealers must obtain certification and maintain compliance through testing protocols, HB72 aims to enhance the standards of quality and reliability in milk production and distribution. This legislative effort reinforces the authority of the Milk Marketing Board in overseeing these critical aspects of the industry, intending to safeguard both consumers and producers from substandard practices.

Summary

House Bill 72 amends the Milk Marketing Law originally established in 1937, highlighting the licensing requirements for milk dealers, testers, and weighers. Its main provisions include the establishment of penalties in lieu of suspension for licensed individuals under the jurisdiction of the Milk Marketing Board. Specifically, the bill allows for a monetary compromise when a license is suspended, thereby providing an alternative to outright suspension, which proponents argue would facilitate smoother operations in the dairy industry by minimizing operational disruptions.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB72 appears to be supportive, particularly from those within the dairy industry who see the necessity of regulated standards and certifications as vital to maintaining a credible market. However, there are also concerns about the increased financial burdens associated with certification and the potential for the board's powers to impose significant regulations on small producers, which could lead to tensions among stakeholders involved in the milk production and marketing supply chain.

Contention

A notable point of contention lies in the penalties stipulated in the bill. While the idea of a monetary penalty as an alternative to license suspension is viewed positively by some, it raises questions about fairness and the potential to undermine serious infractions. Critics argue that merely allowing financial compensation instead of punitive measures may dilute the enforcement of standards, leading to complacency among some dealers. The ongoing discussions reveal the complexities of balancing stringent regulation against the practicality of operating in the agricultural sector.

Latest HB72 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB42

In licenses of milk dealers, further providing for penalties in lieu of suspension; and, in weighing and testing, further providing for certified testers and for certified weighers and samplers.

PA HB1006

In weighing and testing, further providing for certified testers and for certified weighers and samplers.

PA HB1170

Further providing for title of act; in purpose, short title and definitions, further providing for definitions and construction; in organization of the board, further providing for appointment and terms of members and quorum; in licenses of milk dealers, further providing for grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation; in moneys and expenses of board, further providing for expenses and for payment; and, in saving provisions, repealing provisions relating to Joint Study Committee.

PA SB1297

In purpose, short title and definitions, further providing for definitions and construction; in general powers of the board, providing for collection of premiums; in prices of milk, providing for board-established premiums and further providing for cooperatives; and, in moneys and expenses of board, further providing for Milk Marketing Fund and for payment and providing for audits.

PA SB689

In purpose, short title and definitions, further providing for definitions and construction; in general powers of the board, providing for collection of premiums; in prices of milk, providing for board-established premiums and further providing for cooperatives; and, in moneys and expenses of board, further providing for Milk Marketing Fund and for payment and providing for audits.

PA HB2354

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses and for health certificates for importation; and, in enforcement and penalties, further providing for rules and regulations.

PA HB2413

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses and for health certificates for importation; and, in enforcement and penalties, further providing for rules and regulations.

PA HB1000

Further providing for definitions, for State Board of Psychology and for powers of the board; providing for prescription certificate, for prescribing and administrative practices and for controlled substances; and further providing for refusal, suspension or revocation of license, for reporting of multiple licensure and for penalties and injunctions against unlawful practice.

PA SB746

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for issuance of dog licenses, compensation, proof required, deposit of funds, records, license sales, rules and regulations, failure to comply, unlawful acts and penalty, for applications for dog licenses, fees and penalties, for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses, for dogs temporarily in the Commonwealth and for health certificates for importation; in offenses of dogs, further providing for dog bites and detentions and isolation of dogs; in dangerous dogs, further providing for court proceedings, certificate of registration and disposition, for requirements, for public safety and penalties and for construction of article; in injury to dogs, further providing for selling, bartering or trading dogs; in enforcement and penalties, further providing for enforcement of this act by the secretary and provisions for inspections and for enforcement and penalties; in sterilization of dogs and cats, further providing for definitions; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1322

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for issuance of dog licenses, compensation, proof required, deposit of funds, records, license sales, rules and regulations, failure to comply, unlawful acts and penalty, for applications for dog licenses, fees and penalties, for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses, for dogs temporarily in the Commonwealth and for health certificates for importation; in offenses of dogs, further providing for dog bites and detentions and isolation of dogs; in dangerous dogs, further providing for court proceedings, certificate of registration and disposition, for requirements, for public safety and penalties and for construction of article; in injury to dogs, further providing for selling, bartering or trading dogs; in enforcement and penalties, further providing for enforcement of this act by the secretary and provisions for inspections and for enforcement and penalties; in sterilization of dogs and cats, further providing for definitions; and imposing penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.