Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB108

Introduced
1/22/25  

Caption

In retail food facility safety, further providing for license required.

Impact

The proposed adjustments in SB 108 could significantly impact state laws regarding food safety regulations. By exempting specific nonprofit-run food facilities from the licensing requirements, the bill could promote more community-driven initiatives, enhancing local food accessibility and charity-focused events. However, it also raises questions regarding food safety oversight for operations that may not undergo the usual licensing scrutiny. The bill's intent is to balance the need for nonprofit organizations to serve the community with necessary food safety regulations that protect public health.

Summary

Senate Bill 108, introduced in Pennsylvania, seeks to amend Title 3 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically focusing on retail food facility safety. The bill intends to exempt certain retail food facilities operated by charitable nonprofit entities from the licensing requirements, provided they only operate on a limited basis—specifically, no more than 12 days each calendar year. This change aims to ease regulatory burdens on charitable organizations that wish to provide food services on a temporary basis, making it more accessible for them to participate in community events and outreach programs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 108 appears to be generally positive among supporters who advocate for easing regulations on charitable food services. Many view the bill as a proactive measure to support community engagement and provide more opportunities for charitable organizations to gather and serve food without the burden of extensive regulatory compliance. However, there may be concerns among public health advocates about potential risks associated with loosening license requirements, which could lead to inconsistent food safety standards in these temporary facilities.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB 108 may revolve around the adequateness of food safety regulations in exempted facilities. Critics might argue that the bill could inadvertently compromise food safety measures by allowing entities with less oversight to operate and serve the public. This highlights a potential conflict between supporting charitable activities and ensuring public health safeguards, making it essential for stakeholders to carefully consider the implications of such exemptions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB160

In retail food facility safety, further providing for license required.

PA SB698

In hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for license requirements; and, in special licenses and permits, further providing for

PA HB1869

In food protection, further providing for definitions, providing for food allergy awareness and further providing for powers of department.

PA SB804

In storm water management plans and facilities, further providing for fees.

PA HB1167

In food protection, further providing for misbranding of food.

PA SB146

In fishing licenses, further providing for exemptions from license requirements.

PA HB2042

In revenues, providing for audits of Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Trust Fund; in administration and enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement; in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in administration, further providing for records and confidentiality of information; in application and licensure, further providing for establishment licenses, for license or permit prohibition, for issuance and renewal and for conditional licenses; in operation, further providing for testing and certification of terminals and for video gaming limitations, providing for hours of operation and further providing for terminal placement agreements and for compulsive and problem gambling; in enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement; in revenues, further providing for distribution of local share, for regulatory assessments and for transfers from Video Gaming Fund; in ethics, further providing for political influence; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of gambling devices, gambling, etc.; providing for implementation; and making a repeal.

PA HB1852

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for sale or transfer of firearms, for Pennsylvania State Police and for licensing of dealers and providing for security cameras, for lost and stolen firearm reporting requirements and for inspection of retail firearm dealer licensees and grant program; establishing the Retail Licensee Inspection Fund and the Firearm Dealer Safety Grant Program; imposing penalties; and making an appropriation.

PA HB365

In fishing licenses, further providing for exemptions from license requirements.

PA HB2393

In general provisions, further providing for definitions and for powers and duties of department; in applications and permits, further providing for permits and licenses required, transition scheme and reporting requirements and providing for food processing residuals; and imposing penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.