Relative to regulatory authority for apples, coal grading, potatoes, cider, milk, and lumber.
Impact
One of the primary impacts of HB 1628 is the establishment of specific requirements for the production and sale of apples and cider, aligning them more closely with USDA standards. The bill mandates that any cider labeled as New Hampshire-produced must indeed be produced within the state, instilling a sense of authenticity and accountability in its marketing. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for establishing clear definitions and rules regarding the manufacturing and sale of cider, including labeling requirements that must describe its contents accurately. These regulations are intended to protect consumers and promote fair market practices.
Summary
House Bill 1628 is a legislative act in New Hampshire that pertains to the regulation of agricultural products, specifically focusing on apples, cider, coal grading, potatoes, milk, and lumber. The bill aims to streamline and consolidate existing regulations by repealing certain statutes that have been found to be preempted by federal law and transferring regulatory authority to a centralized chapter concerned with farm product standards. This move underscores a significant shift towards more uniform guidelines pertaining to the production, sale, and marketing of these commodities.
Contention
There has been notable contention surrounding HB 1628, particularly with respect to the repeal of certain organic certification standards. Critics argue that eliminating these regulations may undermine consumer confidence in organic labeling and reduce the marketability of organic products in New Hampshire. Additionally, the removal of previously established coal grading and agricultural standards raises concerns among local farmers and businesses about how this legislation may affect their operational compliance and market positioning. Advocacy groups have expressed worries about the potential consequences for local producers who rely on these defined standards to ensure product quality and consumer safety.
Requiring an independent audit and needs assessment regarding COVID-19 preparedness at long term care facilities, nursing homes, and the New Hampshire veterans' home, and making an appropriation therefor.
Establishing a recruitment incentive program within the community college system for public safety communicators and dispatchers and making an appropriation therefor.
Establishing a law enforcement officers, professional firefighters, and emergency medical technicians career development, recruitment, and retention program and making an appropriation therefor.
Relative to relative to the penalty for false reports of suspected abuse and neglect made to the division for children, youth, and families, and relative to the maternal mortality review committee, electric vehicle charging stations and fees for annual testing by the division of weights and measures, and relative to the acceptance of portraits of Senator Sylvia Larsen and Senator Jeb Bradley for the state house.