Redefining "homestead foods" as "artisan foods," creating an artisan food operations exemption, establishing artisan food products sales venues, and allowing the production and sale of artisan food products requiring refrigeration.
Impact
The bill has significant implications for state laws governing food safety and production. By reclassifying homestead foods to artisan foods, the legislation modifies existing regulations that previously applied to home-prepared foods. This shift could potentially increase the number of small food entrepreneurs who are able to legally sell their products, as many existing regulations may no longer be applicable. However, the bill does maintain certain food safety standards, creating a balance between supporting local businesses and ensuring the public's health is safeguarded.
Summary
House Bill 1685 aims to redefine 'homestead foods' as 'artisan foods' and establish an artisan food operations exemption, allowing the production and sale of artisan food products that may require refrigeration. This redefinition is designed to support small-scale food entrepreneurs in New Hampshire by making it easier for them to operate, including allowing certain sales venues for artisan food products. The bill seeks to promote local food production and empower home-based food businesses by lessening regulatory burdens, thereby encouraging economic development within communities.
Sentiment
Discussion surrounding HB 1685 appears to be supportive overall, particularly among lawmakers who advocate for local business growth and food sovereignty. Proponents argue that this bill will benefit small-scale food producers and provide greater market access. Conversely, some concerns have been raised regarding food safety, particularly in terms of potentially hazardous products and the adequacy of oversight with relaxed regulations. Nonetheless, the general sentiment highlights an appreciation for fostering microbusiness opportunities while managing health oversight.
Contention
Notable points of contention involve the potential risks associated with allowing unregulated production and sale of certain food items. Some legislators and stakeholders express concern that relaxing requirements may lead to foodborne illnesses and undermine established food safety protocols. Additionally, there is a debate over the extent to which local governments can regulate artisan food operations, as the bill mandates that local laws cannot be more restrictive than state laws. This aspect raises questions about local control and how municipalities will address specific community needs regarding food safety and regulation.
Relative to eligibility criteria for the therapeutic cannabis program and establishing a commission to study state-controlled sales of cannabis and relative to the prohibition on the sale of hemp products containing certain levels of THC.
Expanding the definition of providers who can certify patients of the therapeutic cannabis program and relative to release of a defendant pending trial and relative to product labeling and information guide requirements for cannabis products and the prohibition of the sale of hemp products containing certain levels of THC.
Property tax classifications consolidated, classification rates modified, definition of referendum market value modified, state general levy on seasonal residential recreational property eliminated, and other property tax provisions modified.
Property taxes and individual income taxes modified, first-tier valuation limit for agricultural homestead properties modified, tier limits for homestead resort properties increased, homestead market value exclusion modified, state general levy reduced, unlimited Social Security subtraction allowed, temporary refundable child credit established, and money appropriated.
Property taxes and individual income taxes modified, homestead property tax provisions modified, state general levy reduced, unlimited Social Security subtraction allowed, income tax rates decreased, temporary refundable child credit established, direct payments to individuals provided, and money appropriated.