Tennessee House Bill HB0618

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 53, Chapter 7, relative to the regulation of food derived from animal tissues.

Impact

The introduction of HB0618 is significant as it introduces a systematic reporting mechanism that can impact food safety and agricultural oversight in Tennessee. By tracking custom slaughterer licenses, the state can better understand local meat processing capacities and practices. This measure may help identify potential issues related to food safety, compliance with health regulations, and the extent of local slaughtering operations, thereby informing future legislative or administrative actions on agricultural regulation and safety standards.

Summary

House Bill 618 (HB0618) is a legislative proposal aimed at amending the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 53, Chapter 7, which governs the regulation of food derived from animal tissues. The bill obligates the relevant state department to report annually on the number of custom slaughterer licenses that have been issued or renewed in each county, with the first report due by March 1, 2024. This reporting requirement is intended to enhance transparency and monitor the practices surrounding slaughterhouse operations within the state.

Contention

Though there are no specific mentions of notable points of contention in the available documents regarding HB0618, bills affecting food regulation often stir discussions concerning animal welfare, food safety standards, and the economic implications for local farmers and food processors. Stakeholders, such as farmers, health inspectors, and consumer advocates, may hold differing views on the adequacy of existing regulations and the necessity for increased scrutiny through reporting requirements like those proposed in this bill.