Tennessee Senate Bill SB0446

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23

Caption

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

Impact

The enactment of SB0446 is expected to enhance oversight within the agricultural sector, particularly in relation to food safety and regulation regarding animal tissues. By mandating annual reports on custom slaughterer licenses, the bill seeks to ensure that stakeholders are informed about the scale and nature of custom slaughter operations in each county. This could help in identifying trends or concerns in food safety, potentially influencing legislative decisions regarding agricultural practices and public health standards.

Summary

Senate Bill 446, known as SB0446, proposes an amendment to the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically focusing on the regulation of food derived from animal tissues. The bill introduces a requirement for the Department of Agriculture to report annually the number of custom slaughterer licenses issued or renewed for each county in Tennessee. This change is aimed at increasing transparency and regulation surrounding food production practices, particularly in the context of custom slaughtering operations. The reporting is scheduled to begin on March 1, 2024, and continue each March 1 thereafter.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding SB0446 appear to lean towards a positive sentiment among agricultural stakeholders who recognize the need for regulation and transparency in food production. Proponents argue that such measures are essential for consumer protection and the integrity of food systems. However, there is also concern among some small farmers and custom slaughterers, who worry that increased regulation could lead to additional burdens and complicate their operations.

Contention

While there is overall support for increased regulation in the food industry, the central points of contention lie in the potential implications for small-scale operations and the administrative burden that might arise from the reporting requirements. Opponents of the bill may argue that it could lead to unnecessary governmental oversight that complicates traditional practices without significantly enhancing food safety. The balance between regulation and operational freedom in the agricultural sector remains a key issue in the debate over this legislation.