West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia Senate Bill SB 319

Introduced
1/15/26  

Caption

Department of Agriculture rule relating to exempted dairy farms and milk and milk products processing

Summary

SB 319 concerns a Department of Agriculture rule governing exempted dairy farms and the processing of milk and milk products. Based on the bill caption, the measure appears to address how certain dairy farms are classified as exempt and how milk and dairy product processing is regulated under state administrative rules. The bill likely updates or clarifies the scope of the existing rule rather than creating a wholly new regulatory program. Because the full bill text is not available in the provided materials, the precise statutory changes cannot be identified from the source text alone. However, the bill’s placement in the legislative process and its caption indicate that it would affect state agricultural regulation, especially standards or exemptions applicable to dairy producers and processors. Any changes would likely be implemented through the Department of Agriculture’s rulemaking authority and could affect dairy farms, milk handlers, and processors subject to state oversight.

Impact

SB 319 would likely modify the state administrative framework governing dairy farm exemptions and milk and milk products processing, affecting the Department of Agriculture’s regulatory authority and the compliance obligations of dairy operators and processors. Depending on the rule changes, the bill could alter which farms are exempt from certain requirements, how processing facilities are regulated, or what standards apply to milk and dairy products in the state.

Sentiment

No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition from the legislative record included here. The bill’s referral to Judiciary suggests it may involve legal or regulatory clarification, but the available context does not show any expressed controversy or consensus. Overall, the limited record suggests a technical regulatory measure rather than a highly partisan or publicly contentious bill.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is the scope of the exemption for dairy farms and whether the rule change would ease regulatory burdens too much or, conversely, impose unnecessary compliance costs on small producers and processors. Dairy operators, processors, and regulators could differ on how broadly exemptions should apply and what food safety or inspection standards should remain in place. Without transcripts, however, no specific stakeholder positions are documented in the materials provided.

Companion Bills

WV HB4272

Similar To Relating to authorizing the Department of Agriculture to promulgate a legislative rule relating to exempted dairy farms and milk and milk products processing.

Previously Filed As

WV SB371

Department of Agriculture rule relating to raw milk

WV SB368

Department of Agriculture rule relating to WV fish processing

WV SB366

Department of Agriculture rule relating to WV manufacture-grade milk

WV HB2291

Relating to authorizing the Department of Agriculture to promulgate a legislative rule relating to raw milk

WV HB2288

Relating to authorizing the Department of Agriculture to promulgate a legislative rule relating to West Virginia fish processing

WV HB2286

Relating to authorizing the Department of Agriculture to promulgate a legislative rule relating to West Virginia manufacture-grade milk

WV SB365

Department of Agriculture rule relating to licensing and other fees

WV SB363

Department of Agriculture rule relating to state aid for fairs and festivals

WV SB364

Department of Agriculture rule relating to inspection of meat and poultry

WV HB2289

Relating to authorizing the Department of Agriculture to promulgate a legislative rule relating to select plant-based derivatives and select plant-based derivative products.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.