AN ACT to amend and reenact section 4.1-25-40.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the sale of raw milk products; and to provide a penalty.
House Bill No. 1131 amends section 4.1-25-40.1 of the North Dakota Century Code to regulate the sale of raw milk and raw milk products. Under this bill, farms are permitted to sell raw milk directly to consumers for personal consumption, but they are prohibited from selling these products to wholesalers or retail stores for mass consumption. Additionally, the bill specifies that sales must remain within the state and prohibits any form of interstate commerce or donation of raw milk products. The bill also mandates that products sold must be clearly labeled as 'raw milk' or 'made with raw milk'.
The passage of HB1131 will modify existing laws regarding the sale of raw milk in North Dakota, allowing for direct sales to consumers while imposing restrictions on wholesale and retail distribution. This change aims to clarify the legal framework surrounding raw milk sales and ensure that consumers are informed about the nature of the products they are purchasing. It will affect farmers engaged in the production and sale of raw milk, as they must comply with the new labeling requirements and sales restrictions.
The sentiment surrounding HB1131 appears to be largely positive, as evidenced by the overwhelming support in both the House and Senate votes, with 87 votes in favor and only 5 against in the House, and a unanimous 45-0 vote in the Senate. This suggests a strong consensus among legislators regarding the need for clearer regulations on raw milk sales.
While there seems to be general support for the bill, notable points of contention may arise from stakeholders concerned about the implications of restricting sales to only direct consumer transactions. Some may argue that this limits market opportunities for farmers and could impact consumer access to raw milk products. However, specific dissenting opinions were not recorded in the available committee discussions or voting records.