Oklahoma House Bill HB4060

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/6/24
• Report Pass: 2/27/24
• Engrossed: 3/5/24
• Refer: 3/19/24
• Report Pass: 3/25/24
• Enrolled: 4/25/24
• Passed: 4/30/24

Caption

Agriculture; creating the Donated Agriculture and Wild Game Foods Act; liability; authority; rules; report; website; codification; effective date.

Impact

The passage of HB 4060 is expected to have significant implications for food donation within Oklahoma, particularly in expanding the ability of organizations and individuals to donate surplus food without the fear of legal repercussions. The bill also establishes a licensing system for meat processing plants that will facilitate the donation of processed wild game to nonprofit organizations, thereby bolstering the 'Hunters Against Hunger' program. By reducing barriers to food donation, the bill is aimed at improving food security in Oklahoma while also supporting local wildlife management.

Summary

House Bill 4060, known as the Donated Agriculture and Wild Game Foods Act, aims to encourage the donation of food, particularly perishable and wild game items, by providing protections against civil and criminal liability for individuals and organizations who donate in good faith. The bill defines a range of terms related to food types and donors, and it stipulates that donors will not be liable for injuries or damages unless caused by gross negligence or intentional misconduct. This effort seeks to increase food availability for those in need while promoting community engagement in feeding the hungry.

Sentiment

The reception of HB 4060 has largely been positive, with strong support from various nonprofit organizations and community groups focusing on hunger relief. Proponents argue that the bill addresses critical issues of food wastage and hunger relief. However, there are concerns among some stakeholders regarding the adequacy of the liability protections offered, and whether they effectively shield against real or perceived risks associated with food safety. The sentiment reflects a progressive push to enhance access to food resources while balancing safety and liability standards.

Contention

Despite widespread support, some contentious points have emerged around the definitions provided in the bill regarding what constitutes 'good faith' donations and the extent of liability protections. Critics have raised concerns about whether the bill provides sufficient clarity regarding donor responsibilities, especially concerning food safety regulations. Additionally, the policy's reliance on existing regulatory structures has led to debates about ensuring that food quality is adequately monitored while still promoting aggressive outreach for increased food donations to those in need.