PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Feb. 18, 2021) – A bill filed in the Rhode Island House would legalize the sale of raw milk in the state. Passage into law would take an important step toward rejecting a federal prohibition scheme in practice and effect.
Rep. Blake Filippi (R) and a bipartisan coalition of five representatives, introduced House Bill 5465 (H5465) on Feb. 10. The legislation would amend statutes governing the production and sale of milk to legalize the sale of raw milk. Under the proposed law, raw milk would be subject to the same regulations and permitting requirements as pasteurized milk.
Under current law, raw milk sales are prohibited although the state allows raw milk distribution through herd-share agreements.
HONOLULU, Hawaii (Jan 29, 2021) – A bill filed in the Hawaii House would allow for the sale of raw milk at the place of production. Passage of this bill would not only expand Hawaii’s raw milk market; it would take a step toward nullifying a federal prohibition scheme in practice and effect.
In late January, Rep. Mark Nakashima introduced House Bill 685 (HB685). The legislation would allow milk producers to sell raw milk and raw milk products directly to consumers, as long as that milk is properly labeled, and sold by a farm that has no more than two milk bearing cows.
New Jersey Bill Would Allow Raw Milk Sales, Reject Federal Prohibition Scheme
TRENTON, N.J. (Jan. 20, 2021) – A bill filed in the New Jersey Assembly would allow raw milk sales in the state and take a step toward nullifying a federal prohibition scheme in effect.
Assembly bill 585 (A585) is a carryover of 2020 Assembly Bill 502, both introduced by John DiMaio (R), with several co-sponsors. The bill would establish a raw milk permit program, and allow raw milk to be sold by those who acquire a permit – at the farm or property where the raw milk is processed. Specific labeling (and property signage) would be required, informing consumers that “Raw Milk Is Not Pasteurized and May Contain Organisms that Cause Human Disease.” Under current law, raw milk sales are prohibited in the state.