AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 43; Title 44 and Title 53, relative to livestock raised in this state.
Summary
HB2252 creates a voluntary Tennessee program to promote meat and meat byproducts from livestock that are born, raised, and harvested in Tennessee. The bill defines covered livestock to include animals such as cattle, sheep, swine, goats, and poultry that are produced in-state for human consumption. It directs the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to adopt rules to administer the program and to develop labeling language or labels that may identify products as Tennessee meat or Tennessee byproducts.
The program is intended to help market and distinguish Tennessee-produced livestock products, while remaining voluntary for producers and compliant with federal USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service labeling requirements. The department is authorized to create different labels for different livestock categories, but must use existing staff and resources to carry out the program. The act takes effect upon becoming law.
Impact
The bill adds a new section to Tennessee Code Annotated Title 53 and affects related provisions in Titles 43 and 44 by establishing a state-run promotional labeling program for in-state livestock products. It does not create a mandatory certification regime or new tax or regulatory burden, but it does authorize the Department of Agriculture to promulgate rules and develop labels that can be used on qualifying meat and byproducts. Producers, processors, and marketers of Tennessee-raised livestock could use the program to identify and promote local products, subject to USDA labeling standards.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows unanimous support at each committee stage, with no recorded opposition in the subcommittee, full committee, or Government Operations Committee. That pattern suggests the bill was viewed favorably as a low-cost, pro-agriculture measure supporting Tennessee farmers and food producers. No committee transcripts were provided, so there is no recorded debate reflecting dissent or concern.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record, as all committee votes were unanimous and no opposing arguments are included in the transcripts. The main policy considerations likely involve whether the program should be voluntary, how the Tennessee label will be implemented, and whether the Department of Agriculture can administer it using existing resources. Any potential concern would likely center on labeling compliance and administrative workload, but those issues do not appear to have generated significant opposition in committee.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 14; Title 40, Chapter 39; Title 43; Title 44 and Title 53, relative to the treatment of animals.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 14; Title 40, Chapter 39; Title 43; Title 44 and Title 53, relative to the treatment of animals.