Legislation
The Alliance closely monitors legislation that may impact animal agriculture at the state and federal level. State legislative measures dictating animal care are often lobbied for by activist organizations and have the potential to impact farmers’ and ranchers’ ability to provide safe, nutritious and affordable animal products for all.
States in GREEN have pending legislation.
Federal legislation can be found under DC.
Click on a state to view passed, failed and pending legislation.
On mobile devices please select the state from the list below to view legislation.
Here are current pieces of legislation and trends that should be on your radar:
Federal “Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act” introduced
U.S. Senator Cory Booker and Representative Rosa DeLauro have introduced new legislation at the federal that “would grant the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to collect microbial samples from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), also known as factory farms, during outbreaks or when there is a public health need.”
Tennessee facing animal housing legislation
Tennessee has introduced a bill that would make it an “offense for farmers to keep breeding pigs and veal calves in certain small enclosures, subject to certain exceptions, effective July 1, 2030.”
Bans on certain types of farming to be considered
Oregon is considering legislation to ban new CAFOs in certain groundwater regions, fish farming, and octopus farming. Hawaii is also considering a ban on octopus farming. Massachusetts and Hawaii have introduced legislation to ban retail fur.
Labeling and prohibition of cultivated and plant-based meats
There is a growing trend of legislation against cultivated meat products. Several states have introduced legislation seeking to regulate labeling and/or ban the sale of cultivated and plant-based meat products, including Colorado, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
New York introduces bills to recognize animals as “victims” of crimes
New York has introduced legislation that would establish that “animals are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, stress, and fear.” The bill would also establish that an animal “can be a victim of a crime.”
California town votes to recognize elephant legal rights
The city of Ojai, California became the first in the U.S. to recognize the legal rights of a nonhuman animal after adopting an ordinance developed with the Nonhuman Rights Project. The group has stated they are seeking to pass similar legislation in other cities.
Animal rights-led ballot measures
Animal rights groups spearheaded four ballot measures in California and Colorado in the 2024 election cycle. In California, Berkeley passed a first-of-its-kind measure to ban CAFOs. In rural Sonoma County, a similar ban was overwhelmingly defeated. In Denver, a processing plant ban that would have impacted the largest lamb processor in the U.S. was defeated. A fur ban that would have prevented businesses from making or selling fur products in the city also failed.
Proposed octopus farming bans in OR and CT
Connecticut has introduced a bill to ban the farming of octopus for human consumption and entertainment purposes. Oregon is considering legislation to ban new CAFOs in certain groundwater regions, fish farming, and octopus farming. Hawaii is also considering a ban on octopus farming. Massachusetts and Hawaii have introduced legislation to ban retail fur.
Farm protection bills are introduced to prevent animal rights extremists from gaining illicit employment on farms with the intent to damage the farms’ reputation.
States with pending farm protection bills:
International Laws:
Under FDA Final Guidance 209, Final Guidance 213 and the Veterinary Feed Directive, all medically important antibiotics used in animal feed or water are only for the therapeutic purposes of disease treatment, disease control or disease prevention and under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Some states have introduced bills that would restrict when farmers and veterinarians are allowed to administer antibiotics to food-producing animals. Others would require farmers to submit paperwork regarding their antibiotic usage to the state department of agriculture.
States with laws regarding antibiotic use impacting animal agriculture:
- California
- The city of San Francisco also passed an antibiotic ordinance.
- Idaho
- Maryland
Some bills and ballot initiatives are introduced to challenge production systems and raise the cost for the farmers and ranchers raising livestock and poultry and ultimately for consumers at the grocery store. Below are just a few examples from different industries.
States with laws impacting how animals are raised:
- Arizona (pigs, veal calves)
- California (laying hens, pigs, veal calves)
- Colorado (pigs, laying hens)
- Florida (pigs)
- Kentucky (veal calves)
- Maine (pigs, veal calves)
- Massachusetts (laying hens, pigs, veal calves)
- Michigan (laying hens, pigs, veal calves)
- Nevada (laying hens)
- Ohio (laying hens, pigs)
- Oregon (laying hens, pigs)
- Rhode Island (laying hens, pigs, veal calves)
- Utah (laying hens)
- Washington (laying hens)
Every state has a Right to Farm law protecting farmers and ranchers who use accepted and standard farming practices from nuisance lawsuits. Several states have introduced amendments that would change the state’s law to prevent new legislation from interfering with farming practices.
States with Right to Farm amendments:
States with pending Right to Farm legislation:
Alabama Legislation
PASSED
Would prohibit the manufacture, sale, and distribution of cultivated meat in the state and would create criminal and civil penalties for violators.
Pass Date: 5/8/24
To prohibit a county or municipal government from adopting any ordinance, rule, or resolution concerning the care and handling of livestock or animal husbandry practices on any private property and to reserve the entire subject of care, handling, or animal husbandry to the Department of Agriculture and Industries and the State Board of Agriculture and Industries.
Pass Date: 4/14/10
Prohibits any person from intentionally releasing, stealing, destroying, or otherwise causing loss of any animal or crop from an animal or crop facility without the consent of the owner. Other illegal actions include vandalizing obtaining access by false pretenses for the purpose of performing acts not authorized by the facility, and possession of records obtained by theft or deception without authorization of the facility.
Pass Date: 2002
FAILED
Would provide the Commissioner and the Department of Agriculture and Industries with exclusive jurisdiction over the regulation of working animals and animal enterprises. Would also provide a reporting and investigation process for alleged violations of animal cruelty by an animal enterprise.
Would require the use of “sound science” when evaluating crop protection chemistry, genetically engineered traits and agricultural nutrients.
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Alaska Legislation
FAILED
This bill would reduce the information that can be disclosed to the public about animal and crop diseases and imports.
Would require food produced with genetic engineering to be labeled.
Would require farmed fish to bear a label reading “farmed fish” and fish produced with genetic engineering to bear a label reading “genetically modified fish or fish product.”
Would urge the United States Food and Drug Administration to deny any application to sell genetically engineered salmon in the United States.
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Arizona Legislation
PASSED
Governor Katie Hobbs has delayed a rule requiring Arizona egg producers to switch to cage-free practices, SB 1721, until 2034.The move aims to shield consumers from potential price hikes by preventing immediate costs for producers.
Agricultural operations; nuisance; costs; damages.
Pass Date: 4/9/2021
Would require a veterinarian who reasonably suspects or believes that an animal has been victim of abuse to report that suspicion to law enforcement within 48 hours after treatment or examination.
Pass Date: 4/27/2010
Would prohibit a person from confining a gestating pig or a veal calf on a farm for all or the majority of a day in a manner that prevents the animal from lying down and fully extending its limbs or turning around freely. Ballot passed with 62% of the vote.
Pass Date: 11/7/2006
FAILED
Removal of minimum housing size standards and requirements for egg-laying hens. Additional information pertaining to agreements of inspection, noncompliance and violations, and standards for egg processing plants for processing shell eggs.
Would prohibit the production and sale of cultivated meat products for human or animal consumption. The bill would impose civil penalties of up to $25,000 on violators and would create a private right of action for any “person or organization whose business is adversely affected” by the sale or production of cultivated meat in Arizona.
A ballot initiative, sponsored by World Animal Protection, seeking to prohibit farm owners from confining calves raised for veal, breeding pigs, or egg-laying hens in a “cruel manner” and prohibits a business owner or operator from knowingly selling animal products derived from covered animals confined in a “cruel manner.”
Would prohibit from and after December 31, 2021, a farm owner or operator from confining an egg‑laying hen in an enclosure with less than one square foot of usable floor space per hen. From and after December 31, 2024, a farm owner or operator in this state may not knowingly confine an egg‑laying hen in an enclosure: that is not a cage-free housing system.
Would prohibit from and after December 31, 2020, a farm owner or operator from confining an egg‑laying hen in an enclosure with less than one square foot of usable floor space per hen. From and after December 31, 2024, a farm owner or operator in this state may not knowingly confine an egg‑laying hen in an enclosure: that is not a cage-free housing system.
Requires that a person may not misrepresent a product that is not derived from harvested production livestock as meat or a meat food product.
Would prohibit misrepresenting a product that is not derived from milk as milk or a milk product. Would also prohibit misrepresentation of a product that is not derived from harvested production livestock as meat or a meat food product. Would prohibit the misrepresentation of a product that is not derived from harvested production poultry as a poultry product.
Would require foods made with genetic engineering to be labeled.
The bill states that a person shall not intentionally, knowingly or recklessly cause injury or undue suffering to livestock or poultry and that the director or the director’s designee shall be notified of any investigation of an alleged violation of this and after being notified of the investigation may choose to participate or not participate in the investigation. Would make a person guilty of animal cruelty if that person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly fails to provide medical care and treatment necessary to prevent unreasonable suffering to any animal under the person’s custody or control.
Would prohibit a person convicted of an offense of animal cruelty from owning, fostering, adopting or otherwise to have care or custody of any animal in the person’s household.
Would require a person who is at least 18 years old and is convicted of a crime of animal abuse or attempted animal abuse to register on the animal abuse registry.
Would prohibit the use of a telephone or wireless phone to commit crimes of animal terrorism.
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Arkansas Legislation
PASSED
Prohibits representing the agricultural product as meat or a meat product when the agricultural product is not derived from harvested livestock, poultry, or cervids.
Pass Date: 3/18/2019; Preliminary Injunction Issued: 12/10/2019
Makes a person who knowingly gains access to a nonpublic area of an agricultural production operation and engages in an act that exceeds the person’s authority to enter the nonpublic area as liable to the owner or operator of the property for any damages sustained by the owner or operator.
Pass Date: 3/23/2017
A person shall not purposely brand, misbrand, mark, or mismark horses, cattle, hogs, sheep and goats with an intent to defraud; or purposely brands over a previous brand or cuts out or obliterates a previous mark or brand on the animal with an intent to defraud.
Pass Date: 4/2/2015
Provides legal protection to animal owners and their animals to ensure that only law enforcement agencies investigate charges of animal cruelty.
Pass Date: 4/10/2013
Would request the Arkansas Congressional Delegation and the Congress of the United States to support horse processing facilities.
Pass Date: 4/6/2009
FAILED
Would prohibit localities from enacting ordinances that ban or limit the use of animals for agriculture or other animal enterprises.
Amends the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission to include at least four members actively engaged in animal agriculture production in Arkansas and the remaining members be actively engaged in the State’s livestock or poultry industry.
Would create the Arkansas Animal Abuse Registry.
Would prohibit a person from knowingly recording an image of or sound from the livestock or poultry operation by leaving a recording device on the private property where the livestock or poultry operation is conducted, with the purpose to cause harm to the operation; knowingly obtaining access to the operation under false pretenses; applying for employment at an operation with the purpose to record an image of or sound from the operation.
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California Legislation
PASSED
Prohibits the “propagation, cultivation, maintenance, or harvest of any species of octopus for the purpose of human consumption” and prohibits “the sale in the state of octopus that is the result of an aquaculture activity.”
Pass Date: 9/272024
The Right to Bodily Liberty for Elephants to Chapter 4, Title 5 of the Ojai Municipal Code
In accordance with evolving standards of morality, scientific discovery, and human
experience the Ojai City Council recognizes elephants’ fundamental right to bodily liberty; and the City Council intends to adopt an ordinance to codify elephants’ fundamental right to bodily liberty, thereby prohibiting the keeping of elephants in captive settings that deprive them of their autonomy and ability to engage in their innate behaviors.
Pass Date: 9/26/2023
The bill incentivizes K-12 public schools across the state to offer “healthier, climate-friendly plant-based” meals and beverages.
Pass Date: 9/30/2022
Prohibits a person from using, or allowing to be used, a wild or exotic animal, as defined, in a traveling animal act, as defined. The bill would impose a civil penalty for each violation of its provisions.
Pass Date: 10/12/2019
Makes it unlawful to sell, offer for sale, display for sale, trade, give, donate, or otherwise distribute a fur product in the state of California. The bill also makes it unlawful to manufacture a fur product in the state.
Pass Date: 10/12/2019
The initiative establishes minimum space requirements for confining veal calves, breeding pigs, and egg-laying hens in the state, and requires that all laying hens are raised in a cage-free environment by the end of 2021. It also prohibits the sale of products from animals not raised according to the conditions set forth by the measure.
The ballot measure was backed by the Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA, Animal Legal Defense Fund, Compassion Over Killing, World Animal Protection, In Defense of Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals, Animal Equality and several other extremist groups.
The Supreme Court took up a challenge to the legality of the initiative from the National Pork Producers Council and the American Farm Bureau Federation. The Supreme Court ruled to uphold the initiative.
Pass Date: 11/6/2018
This bill requires California hospitals and prisons to provide plant-based meal options. The bill was supported by Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
Pass Date: 9/18/2018
City Ordinance – San Francisco Ban of Fur Sales
The city of San Francisco banned the sale of fur as of January 1, 2019.
Pass Date: 3/20/2018
City Ordinance – San Francisco Antibiotic Use in Food Animals
City of San Francisco ordinance that amended the Environment Code to require certain retailers of raw meat and poultry to report the use of antibiotics in such products to the city’s Department of the Environment.
Pass Date: 10/3/2017
Prohibited the administration of medically important antimicrobial drugs to livestock unless ordered by a licensed veterinarian through a prescription or VFD and prohibited the use of antimicrobial drugs solely for promoting weight gain and feed efficiency.
Pass Date: 10/10/2015
Encouraged the Department of Food and Agriculture to assist in organizing community-supported agriculture.
Pass Date: 9/9/2013
Urged Congress to support federal legislation to protect American horses from harvesting for human consumption.
Pass Date: 9/7/2010
Prohibited the sale of a shelled egg for human consumption if it is the product of an egg-laying hen that was confined in an enclosure in a manner that prevents the animal from fully extending its limbs, lying down, standing up and turning around freely.
Pass Date: 7/6/2010
Prohibited the tail docking of cattle or horses, except for emergency veterinary treatment to save the animals life or relieve pain.
Pass Date: 9/3/2009
Backed by HSUS, this initiative prohibited with certain exceptions, the confinement on a farm of gestating pigs, veal calves, and egg-laying hens in a manner that prevents the animal to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, and fully extend its limbs. The ballot passed with 63% of the vote.
Pass Date: 11/4/2008
Prohibited a person from force feeding a bird for the purpose of enlarging the bird’s liver beyond normal size, and prohibited a person from hiring another person to do so. The bill also prohibited a product from being sold in the state if it is the result of force feeding a bird for the purpose of enlarging the bird’s liver beyond normal size.
Pass Date: 8/24/2004
Prohibits any person from possessing, transferring, receiving or holding any horse, pony, burro or mule with intent to kill it or have it killed, where the person knows or should know that any part of the animal will be used for human consumption.
Pass Date: 11/4/2004
FAILED
Would allow kids to enter their animals in county fairs without the risk of them being sent to market.
Authorizes a non-profit animal rescue corporation, or humane officer thereof, to bring a civil action to obtain specific or preventive relief to enforce laws relating to or affecting animals.
Measure J: “End Factory Farming in Sonoma County”
Measure J, a ballot initiative set to be voted in November 2024, seeks to outlaw concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in the county. The initiative is being spearheaded by animal rights extremist group Direct Action Everywhere (DXE).
A “Dog and Cat Bill of Rights” that would give animals the right to: freedom from exploitation, cruelty, neglect and abuse; a life of comfort, free of fear, and anxiety; daily mental stimulation and appropriate exercise; nutritious food, sanitary water and shelter in an appropriate and safe environment; preventive and therapeutic health care; and health care, including spaying and neutering to prevent unwanted litters.
This bill is a moratorium that prohibits the expansion or construction of new commercial animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and slaughterhouses.
According to a statement from Direct Action Everywhere, the bill was adapted to commission a study on the impacts of “factory farming.”
Existing law makes it a crime for the owner or keeper of any animal to permit an animal to be in any enclosure without proper care and attention, or to abuse or neglect an animal, as specified. This bill would define “proper care and attention” for purposes of this crime as it pertains to dogs and cats to include the provision of appropriate food, water, health care, and mental stimulation and enrichment.
This bill would establish the Smart Climate Agriculture Program under the administration of the department. As part of the program, the bill would require the department to provide grants to persons farming on small to midsize farms to transition the use of the land from raising livestock or growing feed crops to plant-based agriculture and to provide technical assistance to those persons with regard to the program.
This bill would establish the California Deforestation-Free Procurement Act. An act to add Sections 6105 and 10130 to the Public Contract Code, relating to public contracts.
This bill would authorize a court, upon its own motion or upon request of a party or counsel for a party, to appoint an advocate to represent the interests of an animal that is the subject of criminal proceedings relating to animal abuse or neglect, as specified.
The bill would provide incentives for public schools across the state to offer students a plant-based entree and plant-based milk at meals.
This bill will force the unfranchised hauling of organic byproducts from grocery stores, restaurants, breweries, and wineries to be subjected to the same franchise agreements municipalities now have with select companies. The bill could effectively ban the feeding of food byproducts to livestock.
This bill would require that on and after January 1, 2020, a farm owner or operator in California not confine an egg-laying hen in an enclosure with less than 144 square inches of usable floor space per egg-laying hen. On and after January 1, 2024, a farm owner or operator in California shall not confine an egg-laying hen in an enclosure with less than the amount of usable floor space per egg-laying hen required by the 2017 edition of the United Egg Producers’ Animal Husbandry Guidelines for U.S. Egg-Laying Flocks: Guidelines for Cage-Free Housing, or in an enclosure other than a cage-free housing system. This bill would also apply to any eggs sold within the state of California.
The bill would create the California Beef Commission to augment and support the work conducted by the California Beef Council and to enable the cattle industry, with the aid of the state, to develop, maintain, and expand the state, nationwide, and foreign markets for beef and beef products produced, processed, manufactured, sold, or distributed in this state for human consumption, and the use and consumption of these beef and beef products in those markets.
This bill would amend the Milk and Milk Products Act of 1947 to define “milk products” and “dairy products” to not include products resembling milk.
This bill would require a person who willfully or knowingly documents evidence of animal cruelty, in the form of film, image, photographs, print, recordings, or videotapes, to provide a copy of the applicable form of documentary evidence obtained by the person to local law enforcement or an associated animal control officer within 120 hours of documentation to assist law enforcement with the timely investigation and appropriate enforcement of suspected cases of animal cruelty.
Would require any person who uses antibiotics for a non-therapeutic use in any animal raised for the production of any human food product made available commercially shall be required to label the product with the following warning, which shall be prominently displayed on the front of the product packaging and which shall appear in typeface of no less than 14-point font: WARNING: THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS NON-THERAPEUTIC ANTIBIOTICS.
This bill, commencing 9/1/2011, would prohibit the sale or display for sale of any coat, jacket, garment, or other clothing apparel made wholly or partially of fur, regardless of the price of the apparel or the amount or value of the fur contained therein, without having attached thereto and conspicuously displayed a tag or label including the names of the animals from which the fur was acquired and the country of origin of any imported furs. Used articles of clothing would be exempt from these labeling requirements.
This bill would require any person over 18 years of age who is convicted of felony animal abuse, as defined, to register with the appropriate law enforcement agency, as provided, for a period of 10 years from the date of conviction.
Would authorize a school district may make every effort to purchase poultry and meat products that have not been treated with non-therapeutic antibiotics and authorize each school district that purchases poultry or meat products that have not been treated with non-therapeutic antibiotics to report annually to the Superintendent.
Would prohibit a person from confining a gestating sow in an enclosure in a manner that prevents the animal from turning around freely or a veal calf in an enclosure in an manner that prevents the calf from turning around freely, lying down with its legs and neck outstretched, and grooming itself.
California Recognition of Animals as Property Initiative
The objective of the initiative was to amend the California Constitution to declare that all animals owned by citizens, including pets and animals used for agricultural purposes, are property.
California Treatment of Farm Animals Initiative
Requires the California Department of Food and Agriculture to publish regulations establishing standards of care for egg-laying hens in accordance with industry recommendations.
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Colorado Legislation
PASSED
Establishes a division of animal welfare in the Colorado Department of Agriculture to “promote domestic animal welfare, including providing education and outreach; creating voluntary programs; and awarding grants.”
Pass Date: 5/30/2024
Grants additional duties and powers to bureau of animal protection agents (agent), including the authority to conduct investigations; and to take possession of and impound any animal that the agent has probable cause to believe is a victim of cruelty to animals.
Pass Date: 6/29/2020
Requires, by January 1, 2023, hens to be confined in an enclosure with at least one square foot of usable floor space per hen; and requires, by January 1, 2025, hens to be confined in a cage-free housing system. The bill requires shell eggs and egg products to be annually certified as in compliance.
Pass Date: 7/1/2020
Requires veal calves and gestating sows be kept in a way that allows such animals to freely stand up, lie down, and turn around without touching the sides of their enclosure. Effective for veal on 1/1/2012 and effective for gestating sows on 1/1/2018.
Pass Date: 4/7/2008
An amendment to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning regulation of housed commercial swine feeding operations which can house 800,000 or more pounds of swine or which are deemed commercial under local law, and, in connection therewith, conditioning operation, construction, or expansion of a housed commercial swine feeding
Pass Date: 11/3/1998
FAILED
Prohibiting the construction, maintenance, or use of processing facilities within the city. This initiative was spearheaded by Pro-Animal Future.
Prohibits a person from selling, offering for sale, manufacturing, or distributing cultivated meat. A person who violates the Bill is subject to civil penalties. Allows the department of public health, a county, or district public health agency to suspend or revoke the license of a food establishment that violates the Bill.
If passed, this bill would repeal standards established by HB 1343 (2020), for cage-free hens and the sale of their eggs.
A petition was filed with the Secretary of State to bring forward the ballot measure PAUSE: Protect Animals from Unnecessary Suffering and Exploitation. The measure spells out the lifespan of a cow, chicken, pig, goat, sheep, or turkey. It then says those animals cannot be processed until they’ve reached a quarter of their lifespan. There are also limitations in “sexual acts with an animal” pertaining to intrusion or penetration into an animal’s genitals or anus that would remove current exceptions for animal husbandry practices.
Would prohibit failing to label food from animals not born, raised and harvested exclusively in the United States as imported. Would also prohibit labeling food that does not come from animals as “meat” and require lab-grown meat labeling to display notice of its origin.
This initiative may appear on the ballot in Colorado as an initiated state statute on November 3, 2020. If passed, it would establish confinement standards for certain farm animals including egg-laying hens, breeding pigs, and calves raised for veal.
SB 125
Prohibits the use of exotic animals in a traveling animal act.
Prohibits labeling food that does not come from animals as “meat” or terms that describe meat and requiring cultured meat labeling to display notice of its origin.
Would encourage the state’s citizens to support rodeo and the many sponsors that make it possible for rodeo committees to provide a great source of family entertainment.
Would require a person to report abandonment, mistreatment, or neglect of an animal to the owner or law enforcement within 48 hours.
Would prohibit tail docking of any dairy cattle; however, it allows tail docking if the following conditions are met: A licensed veterinarian performs the tail docking; The tail docking is performed for a therapeutic purpose; Anesthesia is used on the animal during the procedure; and the veterinarian conducts the procedure in a manner that minimizes the animal’s long-term pain and suffering.
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Colorado Legislation
PASSED
Establishes a division of animal welfare in the Colorado Department of Agriculture to “promote domestic animal welfare, including providing education and outreach; creating voluntary programs; and awarding grants.”
Pass Date: 5/30/2024
Grants additional duties and powers to bureau of animal protection agents (agent), including the authority to conduct investigations; and to take possession of and impound any animal that the agent has probable cause to believe is a victim of cruelty to animals.
Pass Date: 6/29/2020
Requires, by January 1, 2023, hens to be confined in an enclosure with at least one square foot of usable floor space per hen; and requires, by January 1, 2025, hens to be confined in a cage-free housing system. The bill requires shell eggs and egg products to be annually certified as in compliance.
Pass Date: 7/1/2020
Requires veal calves and gestating sows be kept in a way that allows such animals to freely stand up, lie down, and turn around without touching the sides of their enclosure. Effective for veal on 1/1/2012 and effective for gestating sows on 1/1/2018.
Pass Date: 4/7/2008
An amendment to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning regulation of housed commercial swine feeding operations which can house 800,000 or more pounds of swine or which are deemed commercial under local law, and, in connection therewith, conditioning operation, construction, or expansion of a housed commercial swine feeding
Pass Date: 11/3/1998
FAILED
Prohibiting the construction, maintenance or use of slaughterhouses within the city; and requiring the city to prioritize residents whose employment is affected by the ordinance in workforce training or employment assistance programs.
Status: Failed on 11/05/2024
If passed, this bill would repeal standards established by HB 1343 (2020), for cage-free hens and the sale of their eggs.
Status: Dead – 1/27/2025
Prohibits a person from selling, offering for sale, manufacturing, or distributing cultivated meat. A person who violates the Bill is subject to civil penalties. Allows the department of public health, a county, or district public health agency to suspend or revoke the license of a food establishment that violates the Bill.
Status: Failed, 2025
Nonhuman Rights Project, Inv v. Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Society et al.
Colorado Supreme Court rejected ‘personhood’ for elephants at Colorado Springs’ Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on the basis that “Colorado’s habeas law applied to ‘persons’ not animals.
A petition was filed with the Secretary of State to bring forward the ballot measure PAUSE: Protect Animals from Unnecessary Suffering and Exploitation. The measure spells out the lifespan of a cow, chicken, pig, goat, sheep, or turkey. It then says those animals cannot be processed until they’ve reached a quarter of their lifespan. There are also limitations in “sexual acts with an animal” pertaining to intrusion or penetration into an animal’s genitals or anus that would remove current exceptions for animal husbandry practices.
Would prohibit failing to label food from animals not born, raised and harvested exclusively in the United States as imported. Would also prohibit labeling food that does not come from animals as “meat” and require lab-grown meat labeling to display notice of its origin.
This initiative may appear on the ballot in Colorado as an initiated state statute on November 3, 2020. If passed, it would establish confinement standards for certain farm animals including egg-laying hens, breeding pigs, and calves raised for veal.
SB 125
Prohibits the use of exotic animals in a traveling animal act.
Prohibits labeling food that does not come from animals as “meat” or terms that describe meat and requiring cultured meat labeling to display notice of its origin.
Would encourage the state’s citizens to support rodeo and the many sponsors that make it possible for rodeo committees to provide a great source of family entertainment.
Would require a person to report abandonment, mistreatment, or neglect of an animal to the owner or law enforcement within 48 hours.
Would prohibit tail docking of any dairy cattle; however, it allows tail docking if the following conditions are met: A licensed veterinarian performs the tail docking; The tail docking is performed for a therapeutic purpose; Anesthesia is used on the animal during the procedure; and the veterinarian conducts the procedure in a manner that minimizes the animal’s long-term pain and suffering.
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Connecticuit Legislation
PASSED
Required any infant formula or baby food that is partially or entirely produced with genetic engineering and is offered or intended for retail sale in the state shall include labeling that states in a clear and conspicuous manner, “produced with genetic engineering.” Such labeling shall be displayed in the same size and font as the ingredients in the nutritional facts panel on the food label.
Pass Date: 6/3/2013
FAILED
Proposed bill to prohibit the farming of octopus for human consumption and the use of octopus for entertainment purposes.
An act prohibiting the sale and trade of new animal fur products in the state of Connecticut.
Would include chicken eggs as part of the state-funded Connecticut Farmers’ Market/WIC and Senior Nutrition programs.
Would establish a Livestock Care Standards Advisory Council to provide policy recommendations to the Commissioner of Agriculture on the care and handling of livestock and to prohibit the use of certain enclosures for gestating sows.
Would require the labeling of food produced with genetic engineering.
Would prohibit the confinement of calves raised for veal and gestating sows in a manner that prevents such animals from turning around freely, lying down, standing up or fully extending their limbs.
Would permit local or regional boards of education to offer humane education courses and use curriculums developed by the Humane Society, ASPCA or other animal rights organizations.
This bill requires that, beginning July 1, 2014, certain food items are considered misbranded unless labeled as genetically-engineered or partially produced with genetic engineering.
Would regulate the caging of egg-laying hens, including the prohibition of the use of cages.
Would require cages for egg laying hens be of a size that ensures such hens have room to spread their wings.
Would prohibit cages for egg-laying hens, gestation stalls for sows and veal crates for calves.
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Delaware Legislation
PASSED
Amends restrictions on outdoor housing and tethering for dogs during hazardous weather conditions and dogs running at large without a leash. Exempts working dogs.
Pass Date: 3/11/2020
FAILED
Would legalize the sale of unpasteurized, raw milk directly to a final consumer, so long as the final consumer enters into a written contract conveying an ownership interest in the animal or herd from which the raw milk is produced.
Would establish an Animal Welfare Task Force to consider and evaluate the state of animal welfare in Delaware, including the resources devoted to animal welfare services and whether consolidation, collaboration, or reorganization can lead to more effective use of limited resources.
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Florida Legislation
PASSED
Would amend laws relating to a broad range of industries and activities regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bills include a prohibition on the sale and distribution of cultivated meat and criminal penalties for “trespass with the intent to commit a crime on [posted] commercial agricultural property.
Pass Date: 5/2/2024
Prohibiting farms from being held liable for nuisance except under certain circumstances; providing a burden of proof; prohibiting nuisance actions from being filed against farm operations unless specified conditions are met; providing requirements for and limitations on damages; providing that plaintiffs who bring nuisance actions against farm operations are liable for certain costs and expenses under certain conditions, etc.
Pass Date: 3/30/2021
It would be unlawful to knowingly transport, distribute, sell, purchase, or possess horse meat for human consumption which is not clearly stamped, marked, and described as horse meat for human consumption or horse meat that is not acquired from a licensed slaughterhouse.
Pass Date: 5/4/2010
Amendment 10 – Florida Animal Cruelty
Prohibits a person from confining a gestating sow in an enclosure in a manner that prevents the animal from turning around freely. The ballot was sponsored by Floridians for Humane Farms and supported by the Humane Society of the United States. The ballot passed with 55% of the vote.
Pass Date: 11/5/2002
FAILED
Would make trespassing “with the intent to commit a crime on commercial agricultural property” that is posted with identifying signage a felony.
Would make it a misdemeanor to “manufacture, sell, hold or offer for sale, or distribute cultivated meat.” Violators additionally could be subject to business license suspension upon conviction.
Would make trespassing “with the intent to commit a crime on commercial agricultural property” that is posted with identifying signage a felony. Was withdrawn prior to introduction.
Would prohibit the manufacture, import, or sales of cosmetics that have been tested on animals.
Courtroom Animal Advocates; Providing for appointment of an advocate for the interests of an animal in certain court proceedings, at the discretion of the court; requiring the Animal Law Section of The Florida Bar to maintain a list of attorneys and certified legal interns meeting specified requirements who are eligible to be appointed as such advocates, etc.
Would allow courts to assign an animal advocate to pursue the “interests of an animal” in court proceedings. The bill would also grant powers to lawyers and legal interns trained in animal law.
Beginning January 1, 2017, would require any package offered for retail sale containing processed food that is made with or derived from any genetically engineered ingredient or that is produced from a source that contains recombinant bovine growth hormone to be labeled as “contains genetically engineered ingredients.”
Would require foods produced with genetic engineering to be labeled by January 1, 2016 and would require the Department of Agriculture to compile and publish a list of raw agricultural commodities that are cultivated commercially in genetically engineered form.
Would require foods produced with genetic engineering to be labeled by January 1, 2014 and would require the Department of Agriculture to compile and publish a list of raw agricultural commodities that are cultivated commercially in genetically engineered form.
Would prohibit a person from entering onto a farm and making any audio record, photograph, or video record at the farm without the owner’s written consent.
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Georgia Legislation
PASSED
This bill discourages nuisance lawsuits from neighbors aimed at agricultural facilities.
Pass Date: 4/4/2022
Amends existing legislation so it is unlawful to label “non-animal products and non-slaughtered animal flesh” as meat.
Pass Date: 7/24/2020
Prohibits any county, municipality, consolidated government, or other political subdivision in the state to adopt or enforce any ordinance, rule, regulation, or resolution regulating crop management or animal husbandry practices.
Pass Date: 5/1/2009
FAILED
Would prohibit the sale of meat generally, so as to prohibit selling, offering for sale, trading, or distributing lab-grown meat.
Would require foodservice providers to disclose if they have been serving lab-grown meat.
Would prohibit any “food product containing cell-cultured meat, plant-based meat alternatives, or both” from being “labeled, advertised, or otherwise represented by any food service establishment as constituting conventional meat products.” It also would require food service establishments to disclose the inclusion of cultivated and plant-based meat products in their food products.
Limits the circumstances in which an agricultural facility or operation may be sued for a nuisance.
Would prohibit transport of any animal in the bed of a truck without a minimum of 46” tall rails, unless animal is cross-tethered or enclosed. Exempts the transportation of livestock.
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Hawaii Legislation
PASSED
Expanded livestock feed subsidies to include milking goats, goats raised for meat, sheep, lambs, fish, and crustaceans.
Pass Date: 7/2/2013
Appropriated funds to the Department of Education to operate and implement the Future Farmers of America program.
Pass Date: 7/2/2013
FAILED
Senate and House Bill’s would prohibit the farming of captive-bred octopuses for human consumption. The prohibition would not extend to wild-caught octopuses, and the Bills would not prohibit aquaculture activities involving octopuses used for research purposes.
Bills introduced in the House and Senate seek to ban fur retail prices, citing goals to “decrease demand for cruel products, reduce public health risks, promote community awareness of animal welfare, alleviate environmental burdens, and enhance the reputation of the State.”
Would create an assessment and approval process to import and move aquatic livestock in the state, including pre-arrival disease-free verification, point-of-entry inspection, post-arrival inspection, and the quarantine of any aquatic animals, plants, and microorganisms, as necessary. Carry-Over from 2023 Session to 2024.
Requires the University of Hawaii to establish collective goals to increase plant-based proteins and alternative options for students with various allergies for meals eligible for purchase with a meal plan. Beginning January 1, 2035, requires plant-based proteins to be the primary protein in fifty percent of all meals eligible for purchase with a meal plan. Carry-Over from 2023 Session to 2024.
Beginning no later than 1/1/2025, this bill prohibits a business owner or operator from selling shell eggs or egg products that are produced by egg-laying hens that were confined in a manner that violates certain standards, with exceptions. It also requires the department of agriculture to certify a business owner or operator who sells shell eggs or egg products within the State.
Status: Died in Committee
Would reportedly prohibit the farming of octopus on land and water, in addition to banning the importation of farmed octopus in the state.
In recognition of the health and environmental benefits of reducing meat consumption, would require public high schools to provide a plant-based meal option through the school meals program. It also would authorize the creation of a recognition program to incentivize schools to reach a state target of 30% locally sourced foods.
Prohibits licensing, construction, or operation of new large, concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in the state.
Requires farm owners or operators to confine egg-laying hens in accordance with the standards established in this measure. Effective 6/30/2027, prohibits a business owner or operator from selling shell eggs or egg products that are produced by egg-laying hens that were confined in a manner that violates best practices for humanely housing egg-laying hens to eliminate disease, increase sanitation, and to protect from predators and weather, with exceptions. Effective 1/1/2050
Prohibits the manufacture for sale, offer for sale, display for sale, sale, trade, or distribution of certain animal fur products in the State.
HB 2740: Relating to Public Schools
Requires the Department of Education to develop plant-based alternatives to satisfy 50 percent of protein requirements in meals offered across all public schools annually and incorporate plant-based diet education, including positive environmental impacts, into its dietary health curriculum.
SB 2782: Relating to School Meals
Requires the Department of Education to establish a plant-based food and beverage program to award funds to participating public schools who serve meals that include plant-based food options or plant-based milk options.
Prohibits misrepresenting a product as meat that is not derived from harvested production livestock or poultry.
The bill states “a farm owner or operator within the State shall not knowingly cause any covered animal to be confined in a cruel manner” and includes veal, pork and eggs.
Would establish an on-farm mentoring program to teach and train farmers to utilize a whole farm system approach to agriculture. Makes an appropriation to the department of agriculture to support existing on-farm mentoring programs and for a pilot on-farm mentoring program in Maui.
HB 823 – Agricultural Theft Pilot Project
Would establish a two-year Agricultural Theft Pilot Project in the Department of Agriculture to focus on investigating and prosecuting agricultural theft or agricultural vandalism in the County of Hawaii.
Would require all genetically engineered food to be labeled with a disclosure stating that it is “Produced with Genetic Engineering.”
Guarantees the rights of farmers and ranchers to engage in farming and ranching practices.
Would establish an Agricultural Development and Food Security Program. Establishes state planning objectives to increase demand and access to locally grown foods.
Would prohibit propagating, cultivating, or farming genetically engineered fish in state marine waters.
HB 687
Description:
Would authorize counties to regulate genetically engineered organisms and pesticide use to the extent that the regulations are more stringent than state or federal laws.
Would prohibit the planting of a genetically engineered seed or plant part in an open field. Allows the chairperson of the board of agriculture to grant an exception where such planting is done in a controlled environment.
Would require food produced with genetic engineering to be labeled by January 1, 2016.
Would require food produced with genetic engineering to be labeled.
Would establish food, water, cargo hold temperature, cargo transfer, and certification requirements for air transport of live animals.
Would criminalize the consumption of or trafficking in dog, cat or equine animal meat for the purpose of human consumption.
Would make it unlawful for any person to possess, sell, offer for sale, trade, or distribute foie gras.
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Idaho Legislation
PASSED
This bill amended the state’s Right to Farm Act to include aerial applicators. Agricultural aircraft are protected from most nuisance lawsuits under a bill in the Idaho legislature.
Pass Date: 3/22/2022
This bill eases the “private property” posting requirements and increases the fines for those caught trespassing.
Pass Date: 3/23/2018
Allowed the director of the department of agriculture through the division of animal industries to regulate beef cattle animal feeding operations to protect state natural resources, including surface water and ground water.
Pass Date: 3/22/2016
Made agritourism professionals not liable for injury or death of a participant resulting from the inherent risks of agritourism activities, as long as a warning sign is placed in a clearly visible location at the entrance to the agritourism location and at the site of the agritourism activity.
Pass Date: 3/29/2013
Clarifies the role of local law enforcement agencies and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture in responding to animal care complaints by specifying that the department is responsible for production animals while local law enforcement be responsible for companion animals.
Pass Date: 4/11/2011
Deemede that no agricultural operation, agricultural facility or expansion thereof shall be or become a nuisance, private or public, by any changed conditions in or about the surrounding non-agricultural activities after it has been in operation for more than one year, when the operation, facility or expansion was not a nuisance at the time it began or was constructed.
Pass Date: 4/6/2011
Requires that the Idaho State Department of Agriculture notify the public and Legislature when proposing a rule that is more stringent or broader in scope than federal law or regulation or when proposing to regulate an activity not regulated by the federal government.
Pass Date: 4/6/2011
Amended existing law relating to animals to provide that specified law shall not be construed as interfering with or allowing interference with the humane slaughter or equines and normal or accepted practices of animal identification and animal husbandry as established by, but not limited to, guidelines developed and approved by the appropriate national or state commodity organizations.
Pass Date: 3/18/2010
Amended existing law relating to pharmacists to extend the length of time in which veterinarians are required to provide written confirmation of oral drug orders.
Pass Date: 3/18/2010
FAILED
This bill would establish state funding for the preservation of farmland, would prohibit localities from enacting municipal ordinances that “would restrict a farm structure or farming practice, unless that farm structure or farming practice does not comply with generally recognized farming practices,” and would exempt agricultural activities within agricultural protection areas from public nuisance actions.
Adds to existing law to provide that environmental elements, artificial intelligence, animals, and inanimate objects shall not be granted personhood.
Would make a person guilty of interference with agricultural production if the person:
- Is not employed by the facility and enters by force, threat, misrepresentation or trespass.
- Obtains employment by force, threat or misrepresentation with the intent to cause economic or other injury to the facility’s operations, livestock, crops, personnel, equipment, buildings or premises.
- Enters without the consent of the owner and makes audio or video recordings.
- Intentionally causes physical damage or injury to the agricultural production facility’s operations, livestock, crops, personnel, equipment, buildings or premises.
Would amend to include fish and other aquatic animals as production animals if they are owned for the express purpose of producing food or fiber.
Would add to existing law to provide for the Idaho Livestock Care Standards Board to establish standards governing the care and well-being of livestock and poultry in the state.
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Illinois Legislation
PASSED
Amended the School Breakfast and Lunch Program Act. As a part of the school lunch program, requires a school district to provide a plant-based school lunch option that complies with federal nutritional mandates to those students who submit a prior request to the school district requesting a plant-based school lunch option.
Pass Date: 5/13/2022
Provided that any establishment subject to inspection under the Act that believes, or has reason to believe, that an adulterated or misbranded meat or meat food product received by or originating from the establishment has entered into commerce shall promptly notify the Director of Agriculture.
Pass Date: 12/27/2013
Would establish an Advisory Board of Livestock Commissioners with 25 people who are interested in the well-being of domestic animals and poultry and in the prevention, elimination and control of diseases affecting them.
Pass Date: 7/12/2010
FAILED
Continuation of the ‘Illinois Cultivated Meat Act’. Classifies that a person who knowingly violates the Act commits a Class C misdemeanor. Allocates rulemaking to the Department of Agriculture; defines terms.
Creates the Mink Facility Disease Prevention Act. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2025, a person may not own or operate a mink enterprise in the State. Specifies that a person who violates the Act is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor.
Provides that, on or after January 1, 2025, feed distributors shall report to the Department of Agriculture all veterinary feed directives associated with medicated feed distributed to producers along with associated feed distribution records. It sets a target for reducing the use of medically important antibiotics in food processing by 50%. This bill would also establish that violations are punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 and that the Attorney General may seek injunctive relief to prevent further violations of the Act.
The “Illinois Cultivated Meat Act,” would make it “unlawful for any person to manufacture for sale, sell, hold or offer for sale, or distribute cultivated meat.” A violation of the cultivated meat prohibition would constitute a Class C misdemeanor.
Would mandate cage-free housing for egg-laying hens and prohibit the sale of eggs and egg products from hens subjected to intensive confinement practices. Under the bill, violators could be subject to a $2,000 civil penalty per violation per day. Its provisions would be effective January 1, 2026.
Amends the Meat and Poultry Inspection Act. Provides that a carcass, part thereof, meat or meat food product, or poultry or poultry food product is misbranded if it purports to be or is represented as a meat or meat food product or poultry or poultry product but is a cell-cultured food product. Defines “cell-cultured food product”. Amends the Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Provides that a food is misbranded if it purports to be or is represented as a meat or meat food product or poultry or poultry product but is a cell-cultured food product as defined in the Meat and Poultry Inspection Act.
Creates the Administration of Antibiotics to Food-Producing Animals Act which provides that a medically-important antibiotic may be administered to a food-producing animal only if prescribed by a licensed veterinarian who has visited the farm operation within the previous six months and only if deemed necessary for specific purposes.
Would create the Genetically Engineered Food Labeling Act that would require food produced with genetic engineering to be labeled.
Would require that fresh and frozen fish be labeled with the species of fish, whether it is farm raised or wild caught, whether it was caught domestically or imported, and the country of origin.
Would provide that if the Department of Agriculture determines that a complaint made under the Act against a person or entity is false or unfounded and made with the intent to harass the person or entity, the Department may waive any confidentiality of the complainant and refer the matter to the State’s Attorney for consideration of criminal charges against the complainant.
Would create the Genetically Engineered Food Labeling Act that would require food produced with genetic engineering to be labeled.
Would require foods produced with genetic engineering to be labeled.
Would prohibit the tail docking of any bovine.
Would create the offense of animal facility interference for creating or possessing, without the consent of the owner, a visual or sound recording made at the animal facility, which reproduces a visual or audio experience occurring at the facility.
Would prohibit a person from confining any a gestating pig, veal calf or egg-laying hen, on a farm, for all or the majority of any day, in a manner that prevents the animal from lying down, standing up, and fully extending its limbs or turning around freely.
Would repeal a provision that prohibits the slaughter of horses for human consumption.
Would provide that unless performed by a licensed veterinarian for a medical reason, tail docking and ear cropping constitutes “animal torture”.
Close
Indiana Legislation
PASSED
Prohibits a person from intentionally misbranding a cultivated meat product as a meat product. Provides that the cultivated meat product is misbranded as a meat product if the cultivated meat product is: (1) advertised; (2) labeled; or (3) offered for sale or sold; in a manner that does not clearly indicate that it is a cultivated meat product or not in accordance with rules adopted by the board of animal health (BOAH).
Pass Date: 5/6/2025
Requires the department of environmental management to conduct onsite inspection of CFOs once within 45 days of initial approval and once within 45 days of initial approval to verify compliance with requirements. Provides that additional onsite inspection of a CFO may be conducted if there is a substantial need for inspection.
Pass Date: 5/6/2025
SB 101 – Agricultural operations and trespass
Adds causing property damage to an agricultural operation to the existing crime of institutional criminal mischief. Provides that a person commits criminal trespass if, without the owner’s permission, the person enters: (1) that portion of an agricultural operation that is used for production; or (2) any part of the real property of an agricultural operation and causes property damage.
Pass Date: 3/14/2014
Provides that if a court finds that the prosecution or defense of a nuisance action brought against an agricultural operation was frivolous, the court shall award court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees to the prevailing party.
Pass Date: 3/15/2012
HB 1099 – Standards for livestock and poultry care
Would allow the board of animal health to assist organizations that represent poultry producers with issues related to poultry and allow the board to adopt rules to establish standards governing the care of livestock and poultry.
Pass Date: 3/25/2010
FAILED
Requires the department of environmental management, at least once per year, to conduct an onsite inspection of every concentrated animal feeding operation or “CAFO”.
Status: Introduced 1/4/2021; Died in Committee
Provides that the Constitution of the State of Indiana guarantees the right of the people of Indiana to engage in diverse farming and ranching practices. Provides that the general assembly may not pass a law that unreasonably abridges the right of farmers and ranchers to employ or refuse to employ effective agricultural technology and livestock production and ranching practices. Provides that the new constitutional provision does not modify any provision of the common law; statute relating to trespass or eminent domain; or other property rights, existing or previously enacted statute, or existing or previously adopted administrative rule.
Status: Introduced 1/7/2021; Died in Committee
Provides that an agricultural or industrial operation is negligent if the person or persons that own, operate, manage, or otherwise control the operation fail to use reasonable care in any of the following aspects relating to the operation: (1) Siting. (2) Design. (3) Construction. (4) Management. (5) Control. (6) Operation. (7) Change to the size or type of operation. Makes findings of the general assembly relating to agricultural operations.
Status: Introduced 1/14/2021; Died in Committee
Provides that a food product is misbranded for purposes of the animal products law, and may not be sold or offered for sale, if: (1) the product is not derived from harvested livestock or poultry but the labeling of the product states or implies that the product is a meat product or poultry product; or (2) the product consists partially or entirely of tissue cultured in vitro from animal cells and the labeling of the product does not clearly state that the product contains tissue cultured in vitro from animal cells. Authorizes the state board of animal health to adopt rules providing that: (1) food products not derived from harvested livestock or poultry; and (2) food products that contain tissue cultured in vitro from animal cells; shall not be misbranded. Amends the law concerning dairy products to prohibit the sale or offering for sale of a food or drink product if: (1) the product does not consist of and is not derived from the milk of a cow, goat, or other mammal; and (2) the labeling of the product states or implies that the product is a dairy product.
Status: Introduced 1/14/2020; Died in Committee
Labeling of food products. Provides that a food product is misbranded for purposes of the animal products law, and may not be sold or offered for sale, if: (1) the product is not derived from harvested livestock or poultry but the labeling of the product states or implies that the product is a meat product or poultry product; or (2) the product consists partially or entirely of tissue cultured in vitro from animal cells and the labeling of the product does not clearly state that the product contains tissue cultured in vitro from animal cells. Authorizes the state board of animal health to adopt rules providing that: (1) food products not derived from harvested livestock or poultry; and (2) food products that contain tissue cultured in vitro from animal cells; shall not be misbranded. Amends the law concerning dairy products to prohibit the sale or offering for sale of a food or drink product if: (1) the product does not consist of and is not derived from the milk of a cow, goat, or other mammal; and (2) the labeling of the product states or implies that the product is a dairy product.
Status: Introduced 1/14/2019; Died in Committee
Replaces the current prohibition against starting construction or expansion of a confined feeding operation without the prior approval of the department of environmental management (IDEM).
Status: Engrossed 2/28/2017; Died in Chamber
Would require food produced with genetic engineering to be labeled by July 1, 2016.
Status: Introduced 1/14/2015; Died in Committee
HB 1404 – Confined feeding financial ability requirements
Would prohibit, after December 31, 2014, a person from starting the construction of a concentrated animal feeding operation or an expansion of a CAFO that would increase animal capacity or manure containment capacity without obtaining the prior approval of the department of environmental management.
Status: Introduced 1/16/2014; Died in Committee
Would prohibit the impairment of traditional or modern farming and livestock production practices.
Status: Introduced 1/14/2014; Died in Committee
SB 373 – Criminal trespass and application fraud
Would prohibit a person from knowingly or intentionally submitting an application to a prospective employer to secure employment and making a false statement about a material fact or concealing a material fact in the application in order to secure employment.
Status: Enrolled 4/15/2013; Died in Chamber
Would require food produced with genetic engineering be labeled by July 1, 2014.
Status: Introduced 1/10/2013; Died in Committee
HJR 5 – Right to ranch and farm
Guarantees the right of Indiana citizens to engage in traditional and modern farming and ranching practices. Provides that no law shall be enacted that abridges the right of Indiana citizens to employ traditional or modern agricultural technology, animal production, or ranching practices.
Status: Introduced 1/10/2013; Died in Committee
SB 391 – Crimes concerning agriculture and livestock
Would prohibit a person from entering real property that is owned by another person and on which agricultural operations are being conducted; and take a photograph of or make a video recording or motion picture of the real property, structures located on the real property, or the agricultural operations being conducted on the real property; without the written consent of the owner of the real property or an authorized representative of the owner. Requires the board of animal health to establish a registry of persons convicted of crimes concerning agricultural operations and livestock.
Status: Introduced 1/10/2013; Died in Committee
SB 184 – Unlawful recording of agricultural operations
Would make it unlawful for a person to (1) enter real property that is owned by another person and on which agricultural operations are being conducted; and (2) take a photograph of or make a video recording or motion picture of the real property, structures located on the real property, or the agricultural operations being conducted on the real property; without the written consent of the owner of the real property or an authorized representative of the owner.
Status: Introduced 1/4/2012; Died in Committee
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Iowa Legislation
PASSED
Would prohibit the use of drones and “remotely piloted aircraft” over feedlots or properties “used to maintain agricultural animals” and would provide criminal penalties for use of drones equipped with surveillance equipment.
Status: 5/3/2024
A bill which imposes labeling restrictions on cultivated and plant-based meat products, “fabricated-egg” products, and insect-protein products. The legislation also bars certain entities from procuring cultivated meat products and seeks to exclude cultivated meat and “fabricated-egg” products from in-state eligibility for federal nutrition programs. Violators can be subject to civil penalties.
Pass Date: 5/15/2024
A bill for an act prohibiting interference with the transportation of an agricultural animal, and providing penalties. Makes it an aggravated misdemeanor to knowingly interfere with the transportation of an agricultural animal (livestock and other animals). Establishes an affirmative defense if the person had consent from the person transporting the animal or exercising control over the animal. Make subsequent offenses a Class D felony.
Pass Date: 4/12/2021
A bill for an act concerning unauthorized entry or access, including placement or use of a camera or electronic surveillance device, while trespassing, unauthorized gathering of samples of certain materials relating to animals and animal feeding operations, and providing penalties.
Pass Date: 4/12/2021
A bill for an act prohibiting interference with the transportation of an agricultural animal, and providing penalties. Effective date: 07/01/2021.
Pass Date: 3/12/2021
Established animal torture as a criminal misdemeanor and require a special sentence requiring a convicted offender to undergo one to three years of supervision and counseling. This bill pertains only to companion animals. Livestock animals are exempt.
Pass Date: 6/29/20
This bill makes it an aggravated misdemeanor for first-time “food operation” trespassers and a class “D” felony for second and subsequent trespass offenses. “Food operation” includes anywhere livestock and livestock products are housed, processed, and sold.
Pass Date: 6/10/2020
This bill would require grocery stores participating in a federal program to carry conventional eggs if they also provide an inventory of “specialty” (cage-free, free-range or enriched colony) eggs. The bill would not require a grocery store to stock eggs if it does not stock specialty eggs for sale or stock conventionally produced eggs for sale if it had not stocked eggs for sale prior to January 1, 2018.
Pass Date: 3/21/2018
Would establish a new section in Iowa Code to provide nuisance protection to responsible livestock farmers. The nuisance protection would apply to both confinement feeding operations and open feedlot operations. To qualify for the nuisance protection, a livestock farmer must comply with state and federal law and use existing prudent and generally utilized management practices reasonable for the operation.
Pass Date: 3/29/2017
A bill for an act relating to management of swine, including by providing for biosecurity and development in a farrowing and gestating operation which is part of a confinement feeding operation.
Pass Date: 3/20/2012
FAILED
Proposed to implement nutrition guidelines and education in Iowa schools that prioritize the state’s food sources like corn, pork and dairy. The bill would also update school health class curriculum to include a section on nutrition and include instruction on food production and the benefits of local sourcing in agriculture, as well as natural resources career and technical education instruction.
Would impose a moratorium on the new construction or expansion of structures in confined animal feeding operations (CAFO), which are defined as “animal feeding operation[s] in which animals are confined to areas which are totally or partially roofed.” The inclusion of “partially roofed” operations would be an expansion of the current definition of “confinement feeding operation.”
Would establish a moratorium on construction or expansion of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), including those that are only partially roofed.
A bill for an act requiring an application for a permit to construct certain confinement feeding operation structures to include information regarding any production contracts in which the applicant is or may be a party, and including effective date provisions.
A bill for an act creating the criminal offense of food operation trespass, and providing penalties.
A bill for an act relating to animals subject to complaints alleging mistreatment, including by providing for the inspection of premises, the removal of animals, the care of animals in custody, and the disposition of animals by court order, and providing penalties.
A bill to stop the expansion of confined animal feeding operation structures (CAFOs). It would also hold corporate integrators jointly responsible for water pollution at “factory farms” and expand the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ regulatory authority.
A bill for an act limiting local legislation that prohibits the operation of an animal enterprise or the use of a working animal.
A bill for an act relating to the regulation of confinement feeding operations, including by providing for partially roofed structures and prohibiting the construction, including expansion, of structures, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.
A bill for an act relating to false allegations regarding the mistreatment of animals, by providing for certain complaints, and providing penalties.
Would establish a country of origin labeling program for beef and pork meat products.
A food product vendor shall not advertise for sale or sell a food product by using the term “meat” including any variation of that term, unless such food product derives from an animal’s muscle tissue, fat, gland, or organ.
A bill for an act establishing a moratorium relating to the construction, including expansion, of structures that are part of certain confinement feeding operations where swine are kept.
States a person commits agricultural production facility trespass if the person uses deception on a matter that would reasonably result in a denial of access and/or employment to an agricultural production facility that is not open to the public, and through such deception, gains access to the agricultural production facility with the intent to cause physical or economic harm or other injury to the agricultural production facility’s operations, animals, crops, owner, personnel, equipment, building, premises, business interest or customer. (formerly HSB 236)
Would make it a crime for any person to obtain access to an agricultural production facility under false pretenses; and to make a false statement or representation as part of an application to be employed at an agricultural production facility, if the person knows the statement is false, and makes the statement with the intent to commit an act not authorized by the owner of the agricultural facility, knowing that the act is not authorized.
Provides for certain court actions regarding allegations of a public or private nuisance or the interference with a person’s comfortable use and enjoyment of life or property caused by an animal feeding operation, providing for the award of damages, costs, and expenses, and including effective date provisions.
Authorizes counties to adopt county legislation relating to the siting of confinement feeding operations.
Would require food produced with genetic engineering to be labeled.
Would prohibit a person from producing a record which reproduces an image or sound occurring at the animal facility. Would prohibit a person from obtaining access to the animal facility by false pretenses.
Would allow counties to adopt legislation relating to the siting of confinement feeding operations so the county may approve or disapprove the location of any construction, including expansion of a confinement feeding operation within the county.
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Kansas Legislation
PASSED
Prohibited the use of identifiable meat terms on the labels of meat analogs when such labels do not include proper qualifying language to indicate that such products do not contain meat.
Pass Date: 5/23/2022
FAILED
Limits the circumstances under which the state may issue or renew permits for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) that house pigs and have a capacity for one thousand or more animals by constricting regulations regarding land application of swine manure and wastewater.
Would amend the state’s Farm Animal and Field Crop and Research Facilities Protection Act to prohibit entry “in any animal facility, including flying an aircraft within the airspace directly above such animal facility but below the minimum safe altitude… without the consent of the owner.” The bill further would prohibit “knowingly mak[ing] false statements on an employment application to gain access to an animal facility.” Violators of either provision would be subject to misdemeanor penalties.
Would prohibit “enter[ing] or remain[ing] upon or in any animal facility” or field crop production area without owner consent, including through the use of aircraft above such places. It also would criminalize the use of “false statements on an employment application to gain access to an animal facility” or field crop production area and would strike existing provisions of law.
Kansas Farm Animal and Field Crop Research Facilities Protection Act
The act made it a crime to “…damage or destroy an animal facility or an animal or property at an animal facility; exercise control over an animal facility, an animal from an animal facility or animal facility property with the intent to deprive the owner of it; enter an animal facility that is not open to the public to take photographs or recordings; and remain at an animal facility against the owner’s wishes.”
Imposing a criminal penalty upon owners who allow livestock to run at large and allowing county sheriffs to seize such livestock that are on a highway.
Prohibiting the use of identifiable meat terms on labels of meat analogs without either an accompanying disclaimer that the product does not contain meat or the inclusion of the word “imitation” before the name of the meat food product being imitated.
Allows for the on-sale retail of raw, unpasteurized milk as long as certain labeling and advertising requirements are met.
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Kentucky Legislation
PASSED
Establishes that it is a trespassing offense to operate “an unmanned aircraft system, video recording device, audio recording device, or photography equipment on or above property” containing a commercial food manufacturing facility, animal feeding operation, or concentrated animal feeding operation. This would also prohibit the distribution of any resulting recording material of “any part, procedure, or action” of the previously-mentioned entities.
Pass Date: 4/12/2024
Established the Kentucky Equine Health and Welfare Board.
Pass Date: 4/12/2010
FAILED
Would criminalize the use of “unmanned aircraft, video recording device, audio recording device, or photography equipment on or above property containing a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) or commercial food manufacturing or processing facility. The bill also would criminalize the recording or photographing of “any part, procedure, or action of [such operations or facilities].
Urges the United States Congress to enact legislation granting the United States Department of Agriculture jurisdiction over labeling requirements for imitation meat products.
Encourage the United States Attorney General and the Attorney General of the state of Kentucky to investigate the Humane Society of the United States for false and misleading fundraising practices.
Would prohibit animal shelters from conducting euthanasia by gas chamber.
Would provide that veterinarians who report suspected animal cruelty cases are not in violation of client/patient confidentiality requirements.
Would change the name of the Animal Control Advisory Board to the Animal Care Advisory Board and authorize the board to establish standards for the humane care of animals in publicly funded animal shelters and make policy recommendations on animal welfare and upgrade of animal shelters to the General Assembly.
Would require the owner in animal cruelty cases to pay for the animal’s care during court proceedings.
Status: Introduced 9/29/21
Close
Louisiana Legislation
PASSED
Established an urban agriculture incentive zone.
Pass Date: 7/1/2015
Required inspection of the slaughter of animals and the preparation of carcasses, meat and meat food products if the products are sold and transported directly to the consumer by the retail store, restaurant, or similar retail type establishment’s employees or a common carrier, provided there is no intervening transfer or storage.
Pass Date: 6/29/2015
Prohibited for anyone to knowingly bring into the state or to transport through this state or to move within this state any adulterated meat or diseased livestock or animals without the express written approval of the commissioner of agriculture and forestry.
Pass Date: 6/5/2013
Allowed the Louisiana Board of Animal Health to adopt rules and regulations establishing standards governing the care and well-being of bovine, equine, ovine, caprine, porcine and poultry and to prohibit local ordinances, laws, subdivision restrictions or regulations establishing standards applicable to the care and well-being of such animals.
Pass Date: 6/8/2010
FAILED
Provides for truth in labeling requirements of agricultural products. Meat substitutes and plant-based alternatives would be prosecuted for “representing a food product as beef or a beef product when the food product is not derived from domesticated bovine.” The same language was included for pork and pork products, rice, poultry, among other restrictions.
Passed 06/11/2019; Overturned 3/28/22
Would authorize sale of raw milk for human consumption and require a label that states “Raw Milk: This product is fresh whole milk that has NOT been pasteurized.” Would also require information describing the standards used by the farm or dairy with respect to the production of raw goat milk or whole milk to be provided to the consumer by the farmer, together with the results of tests performed on the milk and the animals that produced the milk, and an explanation of the tests and test results.
Would require any food containing the product of a cloned animal to be labeled as such.
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Maine Legislation
PASSED
Limits stocking densities for salmon and other finfish farms to 30 kilograms per cubic meter. Maine’s stocking density of 30kg/m3 is higher than that of some other bodies, such as Chile, which sets limits of 17kg/m3 for Atlantic salmon and 12kg/m3 for trout in sea cages, and European Union organic rules that limit densities for both at 10kg/m3.
Pass Date: 6/13/2023
Amended to the constitution of Maine to establish a “Right-to-Food.” This constitutional resolution declares that all individuals have a natural, inherent, and unalienable right to grow, raise, harvest, produce and consume the food of their own choosing for their own nourishment, sustenance, bodily health, and well-being.
Pass Date: 11/2/2021
Allowed for court-appointed advocates for justice in animal cruelty cases.
Pass Date: 6/14/2019
Prohibited the mislabeling of poultry and meat. Poultry and poultry products sold or offered for sale may not be labeled with a certified “Maine” trademark or labeled or advertised as “Maine-raised” or by a similar designation unless the poultry was raised solely in the State from no later than the 7th day after hatching; and Meat and meat products sold or offered for sale may not be labeled with a certified “Maine” trademark or labeled or advertised as “Maine-raised” or by a similar designation unless the animal was born in the State and raised solely in the State.
Pass Date: 6/12/2019
An act to prohibit confinement of calves raised for veal and sows during gestation. This act took effect January 1, 2011.
Pass Date: 5/5/2009
FAILED
Prohibits a farm owner or operator within the State to knowingly confine an egg laying hen in an enclosure that is not a cage-free housing system or in an enclosure with less than one square foot of usable floor space per egg-laying hen in multi-tiered aviaries, partially slatted systems or any other cage-free housing system that provides egg-laying hens with unfettered access to vertical space; or one and one-half square feet of usable floor space per egg-laying hen in single-level all-litter floor systems or any other cage-free housing system that does not provide egg-laying hens with unfettered access to vertical space.
This bill provides that the names of and identifying information about persons who have contracted with or been hired by an entity for the purpose of filming or recording business operations of another entity to provide information pertaining to criminal or civil cruelty to animals to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry may be made public.
This bill repeals the provisions of law that establish an affirmative defense for certain violations under the animal welfare laws that the animal is kept as part of an agricultural operation and in compliance with best management practices for animal husbandry as determined by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
It extends by 4 years, from 2018 to 2022, the date before which 5 contiguous states, including Maine, have to adopt mandatory labeling of genetically engineered food in order for Maine’s law to go into effect. If that contingency is not met, Maine’s law is repealed.
Would provide that the Legislature may not make a change to a measure initiated and approved by vote of the people for 8 years after that measure takes effect if that change is contrary to the general intent of that measure. Supported by HSUS.
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Maryland Legislation
PASSED
This bill is meant to clarify a certain prohibition on administering a medically important antimicrobial drug in a regular pattern to certain cattle, swine, or poultry; exempt dairy cattle on a farm operation with a herd size of fewer than 10 dairy cattle from certain provisions of law concerning the use of medically important antimicrobial drugs; and prohibit the administration of a medically important antimicrobial drug to certain cattle, swine, or poultry unless ordered by a licensed veterinarian in a certain manner.
Pass Date: 5/25/2019
Prohibited farmers and ranchers from giving antibiotics to their livestock or poultry without an antimicrobial prescription or a VFD issued by a veterinarian (which is already required under the FDA guidance 213 and the Veterinary Feed Directive) and require the farmer to submit a copy of the prescription or VFD to the State Department of Agriculture.
Pass Date: 5/27/2017
Authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a farm quarantine for a specified purpose on a farm infected or infested with a pathogen.
Pass Date: 4/10/2012
FAILED
Carry over from previous SB 690. Prohibiting a certain farm owner or operator from knowingly confining egg-laying hens in an enclosure in a certain manner, subject to certain exceptions, on and after January 1, 2026; prohibiting a business owner or operator or a farm owner or operator from selling shell eggs or egg products under certain circumstances on and after January 1, 2026; and specifying that a certain certification verifying that the shell eggs and egg products are produced in a certain manner must be obtained before selling shell eggs and egg products.
Prohibiting a certain farm owner or operator from knowingly confining egg-laying hens in an enclosure in a certain manner, subject to certain exceptions, on and after January 1, 2025; prohibiting a business owner or operator or a farm owner or operator from selling shell eggs or egg products under certain circumstances on and after January 1, 2025; and specifying that a certain certification be obtained in a certain manner to sell shell eggs and egg products.
This proposed constitutional amendment establishes that every person has the right to a clean and healthy environment, including the right to clean air; pure water; and ecosystems that sustain the State’s natural resources. This would give Marylanders standing to intervene on any state application process if they believe it interferes with a clean environment, including CAFO permitting.
Would prohibit a person from willfully and maliciously interfering with, injuring, destroying, or tampering with livestock used for racing or breeding.
Would prohibit a product from being identified as meat if the product contains animal tissue cultured from animal cells outside the animal from which the tissue is derived or is made from plants or insects.
Requiring the Maryland Green Purchasing Committee to publish a list of carbon-intensive foods, in consultation with the Department of the Environment and the Department of General Services, and to establish best practices for units to reduce the volume of carbon-intensive foods purchased to the maximum extent practicable as a percentage of gross food purchases; establishing as a goal for the Department of General Services a reduction, to the extent practicable, of the volume of carbon-intensive foods purchased by State procurement units.
Prohibiting a specified owner of cattle, swine, or poultry from administering or authorizing an agent to administer specified antimicrobial drugs in specified cattle, swine, and poultry without a prescription or veterinary feed directive issued by a licensed veterinarian in accordance with specified conditions.
Would require a production contract to include a clear written statement of setting forth the nature of the material risks faced by a producer if the producer enters into the contract.
Would require a specified integrator to place poultry only at a contract operation that maintains a specified nutrient management plan that the contract grower represents has been fully implemented.
Would prohibit administration of an antibiotic to a food-producing animal under specified circumstances; requiring the State Department of Agriculture to establish by regulation a certain program; requiring the regulations adopted by the Department to include certain provisions; defining a certain term; and generally relating to antibiotic drug usage in food–producing animals.
Would establish a specified chicken manure pollution fee payable to the Comptroller by the poultry integrator.
Would establish that specified foods offered for retail sale in the State produced with genetic engineering are misbranded if specified disclosure or labeling requirements are not met.
Would require specified meat and poultry derived from animals that are raised, processed, and sold in the State to bear a label identifying each antibiotic that was fed or administered to the animal while being raised in the State.
Would establish the Maryland Livestock and Poultry Care Advisory Board. The Board would compile and review science-based standards that have been adopted by the agricultural industry, develop and maintain standards for educational purposes to aid producers and local animal welfare officers and to make recommendations to the secretary of agriculture for publication and dissemination of generally accepted standards that consider agricultural best management practices for animal care and well-being, herd health and safe, affordable healthy food supplies for consumers.
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Massachusetts Legislation
PENDING
Massachusetts lawmakers have introduced Bills in the House and Senate to ban the retail sale of farmed fur products. Supporters claim the legislation will “decrease demand for cruel products, reduce public health risks, promote community awareness of animal welfare, foster a more humane environment, and enhance the reputation of the Commonwealth.”
Status: Introduced 2/27/2025
PASSED
This bill “upgraded” the 2016 ballot measure, Question 3, to provide laying hens 1 foot per hen in aviary style facilities. Laying hens are still required to have 1.5 feet per bird in single-layered cage-free housing. Both housing systems are required to have enrichments to promote “natural behaviors.” Question 3 mandated birds must receive 1.5 feet per bird. The egg and veal standards are effective January 1, 2022. The pork standards are delayed until August 15, 2022.
Pass Date: 12/22/2021
Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act
The initiative, backed by the Humane Society of the United States, requires Massachusetts’ farms and businesses to produce and sell only eggs from cage-free hens, pork from pigs not raised in or born of a sow raised in conventional housing, and would also apply to veal housing.
Pass Date: 11/8/2016
FAILED
Establishing farm to school grants to promote healthy eating and strengthen the agricultural economy.
Would update the definitions provided in the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act.
Would establish a Livestock Care and Standards Board to advise the Commissioner of Agriculture on appropriate actions to be taken to help ensure the humane keeping and treatment of livestock, and the viability of farms and related businesses involved in the rearing and keeping of livestock.
Would prohibit the confinement of a gestating sow or veal calf in an enclosure in a manner that prevents the animal from turning around freely, lying down, standing up and fully extending its limbs.
Would establish a livestock care and standards board to to advise the Commissioner of Agriculture on appropriate actions to be taken by the Commissioner to help ensure the humane keeping and treatment of livestock, and the viability of farms and related businesses involved in the rearing and keeping of livestock.
Would require food produced with genetic engineering sold in the state to be labeled.
Would prohibit the confinement of a gestating sow, veal calf or egg-laying hen in an enclosure in a manner that prevents the animal form turning around freely, lying down, standing up and fully extending its limbs.
Massachusetts Treatment of Farm Animals, Question 3
Would measure have regulated the treatment of farm animals.
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Michigan Legislation
PENDING
Proposed to increase the egg supply through allowing stores to sell more eggs through delaying the cage-free law through 2029.
Status: Referred to Committee on Agriculture 2/25/2025
Proposed to repeal Michigan’s cage-free egg policy and the requirement that eggs sold in Michigan be cage-free. It will eliminate the mandate requiring farmers and producers to use cage-free systems to raise egg-laying hens.
Status: Referred To Committee On Regulatory Affairs 2/4/2025
PASSED
Requires that all eggs that are produced or sold in Michigan be produced in cage-free laying systems by 2025.
Pass Date: 11/21/2019
FAILED
Would require additional permitting processes for certain types of facilities, including concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), located in “overburdened” communities. Permit applicants would need to hold a public hearing in the affected community as part of the review process and proposals for such facilities would need to include environmental justice impact reports.
Would prohibit the manufacture and sale of cultivated meat.
Would prohibit the manufacture and sale of cultivated meat and establishes that anyone who violates the rule would be guilty of a misdemeanor with imprisonment up to 30 days, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
Would authorize courts to appoint, on the court’s own motion or the motion of any party, a volunteer advocate to represent the interests of the animal or the interests of justice in criminal prosecutions related to the animal’s treatment, welfare, or custody. Under the bill, eligible “volunteer advocates” would include uncompensated attorneys and law students.
Prevents “laboratory-grown meat substitutes” from being labeled as “meat.”
Amends the Michigan Food Law to prohibit a person from labeling or identifying a lab-grown meat substitute as meat.
The bill would amend the state’s Animal Industry Act to prohibit a farm owner or operator from confining an animal for all or the majority of the day in such a way that prevents the animal from lying down, standing up, fully extending its limbs and turning around freely. The bill would apply to egg-laying hens starting October 12, 2025 and gestating sows starting April 1, 2020.
Would create an animal care advisory council within the Michigan Department of Agriculture to review the on-farm certification program for animal care standards based on sound scientific principles, consider and change species-specific science-based animal care standards and implementation guidelines that consider changes or developments in the existing national standards and develop a process for the certification of third-party auditors by the department.
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Minnesota Legislation
FAILED
Would establish the Office of Animal Protection within the state’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in the Department of Public Safety to better prevent animal cruelty, support enforcement of cruelty laws, and provide animal protection-related education and grants across the state. The bills would appropriate $350,000 in fiscal year 2025 for the new office.
Would establish an Office of Animal Protection in the Department of Public Safety and provide training for agents to specialize in investigating animal cruelty crimes to more effectively investigate, prosecute, and prevent animal cruelty crimes. The bill also would require that the Office of the Attorney General hire an attorney with “knowledge of animal law” to serve as assistant attorney general “assigned to the Office of Animal Protection to provide expertise in animal law.”
Status: Died in Committee 05/2023
Would establish pilot programs for plant-based food research, training, and workforce development established, report required, and money appropriated.
Status: Died in Committee 03/2023
Amends the Board of Animal Health membership to include a producer from each of the beef, pork, dairy, deer/elk industries in Minnesota and one practicing large-animal veterinarian and one practicing veterinarian licensed in Minnesota.
Would prohibit euthanasia of pet and companion animals with non-anesthetic gas. Although companion animal focused, could set a precedent for animal agriculture.
Modifying the nuisance liability protection for certain agricultural operations, establishing the farmer-neighbor mediation program, requiring mediation for certain disputes with farming operations before it is brought to court.
Would provide that $2,000,000 in fiscal year 2015 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of agriculture for grants to the primary owner of each commercial poultry production premises where birds were depopulated after the United States Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Would require foods produced with genetic engineering be labeled.
Would require foods produced with genetic engineering be labeled.
Would provide that chickens or other poultry or pigs that have been fed with feed containing roxarsone or any other additive that contains arsenic must not be sold or purchased live or in processed form in Minnesota for any use including sale in retail stores and use in restaurants or fast food establishments.
Would make a person guilty of animal facility interference if the person records video or sound at the facility and would make a person guilty of animal facility fraud if the person obtains access to the facility under false pretenses.
After January 1, 2011, a person may not sell, buy, or use animal feed for a non-therapeutic use that contains medically important antibiotics used in human medicine.
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Mississippi Legislation
PASSED
This Bill introduces labeling requirements for meat and meat substitute products to prevent consumer confusion. It defines relevant terminology and authorizes the Department of Agriculture to inspect food products based on credible complaints. The bill prohibits the sale of misbranded meat products and outlines enforcement actions, including civil penalties, but does not allow license suspension or revocation for violations. It would further restrict alternative protein product labeling and prohibit cultivated meat procurement by schools
Pass Date: 4/17/2025
Proposed to make it illegal for anyone to manufacture, sell, or distribute cultivated meat in the state. Violating the law would be a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of no more than $500 and/or up to three months in county jail.
Pass Date: 3/21/2025
Prohibits local governments from regulating agricultural operations activities.
Pass Date: 3/16/2018
FAILED
Would require meat products made from animals who were administered an mRNA vaccine to have a conspicuous labeling regarding the presence of the vaccine.
Would allow courts to include companion animals in protective orders.
Prohibits localities from adopting or enforcing “any ordinance, rule, regulation or resolution regulating crop management or animal husbandry practices involved in the production of agricultural or farm products on any private property.”
Would prohibit meat produced or cultured from animal tissue and plant-or insect-based food products from being labeled as meat.
Would require cell-cultured meat or lab-grown meat to be labeled as such at the point of final purchase. Would also prohibit the false advertisement for the sale of meat, meat products or cell-cultured meat or lab-grown meat.
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Missouri Legislation
PASSED
A bill that would prohibit the inspection of certain grounds or facilities in Missouri to enforce the laws of a state other than Missouri. The bill is meant to protect producers from animal rights activists who may seek access under false pretenses.
Pass Date: 5/4/2021
Title XVII Agriculture and Animals
Exclusive inspection of certain grounds and facilities, by whom – limitation of inspection – in applicability, when – inadmissibility of evidence in criminal cases, in 4 instances.
The bill prohibits misrepresenting a product as meat that is not derived from harvested production livestock or poultry.
Pass Date: 8/28/2018
Would guarantee the rights of Missourians to engage in farming and ranching practices. The ballot passed with 50 percent of the vote.
Pass Date: 8/5/2014
Under the act, employees of animal agricultural operations who videotape what they suspect is animal abuse must provide the recording to a law enforcement agency within 24 hours and any such recordings must not be edited in any way.
Effective 8/28/2012
FAILED
Would repeal sections 196.010 and 196.070, RSMo, pertaining to the clarifying term(s); and enact two new sections relating to cultivated meat, with penalty provisions.
Would amend the state’s food labeling laws to prohibit the manufacture and sale of certain food products unless their labels bear specific disclosures. The bill would prohibit cultivated meat products and insect-based meat alternatives unless they are respectively labeled as “LAB-CREATED” or “INSECT-BASED” or bear a comparable qualifier established by rule. It also would prohibit meat products “derived from an animal vaccinated with a messenger ribonucleic acid-based vaccine” unless they are labeled as “MRNA VACCINATED.” The bill further would require label disclosure of the use of bioengineering and of the application of edible coatings to fruits and vegetables, such as insect-based waxes.
A bill that would create the offense of interference with the transportation of livestock.
This act prevents any alien or foreign business from acquiring agricultural land in the state beginning August 28, 2021. Beginning August 28, 2021, all proposed transfers of any interest in agricultural land held by any alien or foreign business in the state shall be submitted to the Department of Agriculture to determine whether such transfer of agricultural land is conveyed in accordance with the prohibition on alien and foreign ownership of agricultural land under the act.
Grade A retail raw milk or cream produced in Missouri, as defined in the act, may be sold to grocery stores, restaurants, soda fountains, or similar establishments if the raw milk or cream is clearly labeled as such or presented as such through written notice to the consumer. An individual who is the final consumer may also purchase and have delivered raw milk or cream for his or her own personal use.
Prohibits the inspection of certain grounds or facilities in Missouri to enforce the laws of a state other than Missouri.
Currently, a person is guilty of animal trespass if a person with ownership or custody of an animal fails to provide adequate control of the animal for a period of 12 hours or more. This bill changes the crime to livestock trespass.
Establishes an animal abuse registry. Defines animal as “a companion animal not including livestock or wildlife.”
Allows for the slaughter and processing of feral hogs for human consumption at facilities inspected by the USDA or Missouri Department of Agriculture.
The bill requires all animal care training materials for law enforcement to be certified by the state veterinarian.
Prohibits animal rights charitable organizations from soliciting contributions intended for use outside the state or for political purposes.
Would connect Missouri schools and farmers in order to provide locally grown food to schools.
Would establish the Missouri Dairy Revitalization Act of 2015 to enhance and improve Missouri’s dairy and dairy processing industries.
No person, entity, or state agency shall use a drone or other unmanned aircraft to conduct surveillance or observation of any individual, property owned by an individual, farm, or agricultural industry without the consent of that individual, property owner, farm, or agricultural industry except to the extent authorized in a warrant.
Would require all genetically modified meat and fish raised and sold in Missouri to be labeled as genetically modified.
Proposes a constitutional amendment affirming the right of farmers and ranchers to engage in modern farming and ranching practices.
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Montana Legislation
PASSED
Prohibit the sale of lab-grown meat in the state of Montana.
Pass Date: 5/1/2025
Montana Code 2023 – Farm Animal and Research Facility Protection Act
A person who does not have the effective consent of the owner may not acquire or otherwise exercise control over an animal facility, an animal from an animal facility, or other property from an animal facility with the intent to deprive the owner of the facility, animal, or property or to damage the enterprise conducted at the animal facility.
Protection of Farm Animals and Research Facilities
Prohibited a person, without the consent of the owner from acquiring control over an animal facility, an animal from an animal facility, or other property from an animal facility, with the intent to deprive the owner of such facility, animal, or property and to disrupt or damage the enterprise conducted at the animal facility; damaging or destroying an animal facility or any animal or property in or on an animal facility.
Pass Date: 2022
An act clarifying requirements for meat; providing a definition of ‘cell-cultured edible product’; clarifying the definition of ‘hamburger’ and ‘ground beef’; clarifying circumstances when food and meat is misbranded or mislabeled.
Pass Date: 4/18/2019
Required the Board of Livestock to audio record and may video record all board meetings and the board shall make the audio or video recording available online in real time when possible and shall make meeting recordings publicly available on the board’s website within 2 business days of the meeting date.
Pass Date: 4/15/2015
FAILED
Requires livestock and poultry produces that are born and raised in the United States and offered for sale in Montana to have a placard indicating that the livestock or poultry products were born, raised and processed in the U.S. If the livestock or poultry product contains any blending of foreign and domestic products from a country other than the U.S., the placard must indicate the product was processed in in the U.S.
Provides for the personal consumption of raw milk.
Would require an individual who witnesses evidence of animal cruelty at an animal facility to report the evidence within 24 hours to a local humane officer.
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Nebraska Legislation
PASSED
Banning state agencies from buying lab-grown meat or other meat alternatives, and prevents contractors with the state from discriminating against natural meat products in favor of fake meats. He also announced support for legislation to ban lab-grown meat in the Cornhusker State.
Changed provisions governing determination of a public or private nuisance under the Nebraska Right to Farm Act. The proposed expansion to Nebraska’s Right to Farm Act from Sen. Dan Hughes of Venango grants farmers legal protections to change the size of their operation or adopt new technology, as long as they take reasonable steps to mitigate potential nuisances like odor and dust.
Pass Date: 5/8/2019
Changed provisions relating to contract swine operations.
Pass Date: 2/11/2016
Adopted the Livestock Animal Welfare Act.
Pass Date: 3/17/2010
FAILED
Would provide for a deceptive trade practice relating to meat under the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Would prohibit products from being labeled as “meat” if they are not derived from livestock or poultry.
Constitutional amendment to guarantee the right to engage in certain farming and ranching practices.
Would allow the Director of Agriculture may commission animal cruelty investigation agents who shall be licensed veterinarians who have completed training or acquired certification as specified by the director. Amends cruelly neglect to mean failure to provide livestock with care consistent with customary animal husbandry practices.
Would prohibit any person from obtaining employment at an animal facility with the intent to disrupt the normal operations of the animal facility.
Would prohibit a person from confining a gestating sow in an enclosure in a manner that prevents the animal from lying down, standing up, and fully extending all limbs without touching the side of an enclosure; and turning in a complete circle without any impediment, including a tether, and without touching the side of an enclosure.
Nebraska Livestock Productive Initiative
The measure would have banned the use of gestation crates for sows, crates for veal calves, and cages for laying hens. In addition to banning crates across the state, the measure would have required that sows, veal calves and laying hens have the ability to stand up, lie down, and extend their limbs without touching another animal or a side of their new confined spaces. Also, the animals would have to be able to turn around freely.
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Nevada Legislation
PASSED
This bill aims to lower egg prices by temporarily allowing the sale of eggs from non-cage-free facilities. Gives the State Agriculture Director the power to suspend the cage-free egg restrictions during shortages caused by external influences. Authorizes the State Quarantine Officer to take certain actions relating to the sale, offer or exposing for sale or transport for sale of egg products or shell eggs under certain circumstances.
Pass Date: 2/13/2025
Prohibited a farm owner or operators from confining egg-laying hens in an enclosure that is not a cage-free housing system or is a cage-free housing system that has insufficient usable floor space for each egg-laying hen. Requires a farm owner or operator to obtain a certificate stating that the egg products or shell eggs sold, offered or exposed for sale or transported for sale within Nevada were produced by an egg-laying hen housed in an enclosure that is not prohibited.
Pass Date: 6/4/2021
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New Hampshire Legislation
FAILED
Would prohibit state enforcement of federal agricultural checkoff programs and prohibit public officials from “using any personnel or financial resources to enforce, administer, or cooperate with any civil issue arising from a farmer’s non-compliance with the payment of federal checkoff program fees.”
Would establish a committee to study animal welfare in New Hampshire.
Would exempt New Hampshire agricultural products produced, sold, and consumed in New Hampshire from the FDA Food Safety and Modernization Act.
Would prohibit a farm owner or operator from knowingly confining any veal calf or gestating sow in an enclosure in a manner that prevents such animal from lying down, standing up, fully extending its limbs and turning around freely.
Would require the labeling of genetically engineered foods and agricultural commodities.
Would require persons who record cruelty to livestock to report such cruelty and submit such recordings to a law enforcement agency within 24 hours.
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New Jersey Legislation
PENDING
Prohibits aquaculture of any species of octopus for purpose of human consumption.
Status: Introduced on 12/9/2024
Would amend the state’s animal cruelty statute to criminalize the slaughter, selling for slaughter, and transport for slaughter of pregnant cows. If enacted, the legislation would be known as “Brianna’s Law.” Violators of the prohibition could be subject to a fine of between $3,000 and $5,000 per cow.
Status: Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee 1/9/2024
Would establish a two-year pilot “Statewide Animal Advocate Program” and authorize courts overseeing “any . . . criminal proceeding that affects the welfare or care of an animal” to appoint a volunteer advocate from a list of appropriate attorneys and law students “to represent the best interests of, and justice for, the animal.” The bill is based on “Desmond’s Law” in Connecticut and is a carryover from the previous legislative session.
Status: Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee 01/9/2024; Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee 01/9/2024
PASSED
Establishes criminal offenses and civil penalties concerning inhumane confinement of breeding pigs and calves raised for veal.
Pass Date: 6/20/2023
Directs department of agriculture to establish public awareness campaign for food waste.
Pass Date: 5/9/2019
Prohibited the slaughter of horses and sale of horseflesh for human consumption.
Pass Date: 9/19/2012
Provided that the ostrich, emu, and rhea, shall be designated as agricultural livestock and shall be subject to the laws, rules and regulations governing the importation, care and breeding of that type of animal in the State.
Pass Date: 1/8/1998
FAILED
Establishes criminal offenses and civil penalties concerning inhumane confinement of breeding pigs and calves raised for veal.
Allows commercial farmers to be awarded reasonable costs and attorney fees for defending against bad faith complaints under the “Right to Farm Act”. The bill would strengthen the legal protections provided to farmers under the “Right to Farm Act.” Specifically, the bill would allow farmers to recover reasonable costs and attorney fees incurred in the defense of bad faith complaints against commercial agricultural operations, activities or structures.
Establishes animal cruelty offense of cruel confinement of a gestating pig.
Establishes the New Jersey Animal Abuser Registry.
Expresses support for national ban of non-therapeutic use of antibiotics on livestock.
Prohibits persons convicted of criminal animal cruelty offenses from owning domestic companion animals and from working or volunteering at animal-related enterprises.
Would prohibit a person from performing, or causing to be performed, an onychectomy (declawing) or flexor tendonectomy procedure by any means on a cat or other animal, unless the procedure is deemed necessary for a therapeutic purpose by a licensed veterinarian.
Would also prohibit artificially marking sheep or cattle, or causing them to be marked, by cropping or cutting off both ears, cropping or cutting either ear more than one inch from the tip end thereof, or half cropping or cutting both ears or either ear more than one inch from the tip end thereof, or who shall have or keep in the person’s possession sheep or cattle, which the person claims to own, marked contrary to this subsection unless they were bought in market or of a stranger.
The bill would make transporting for slaughter, selling or otherwise providing for slaughter or slaughtering a pregnant cow a fourth degree crime that carries criminal and civil penalties, including fines ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 and up to 18 months in prison.
Prohibits harassment of farmers engaged in farming operations.
Provides for an advocate in criminal cases concerning the welfare or care of animals.
Establishes the “NJ One Health Task Force,” which will develop a plan to promote inter-disciplinary communication and collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health professionals along with providing promotion of and education concerning judicious antibiotic use by human, veterinary, and agriculture health professionals.
This resolution opposes the use of the term “milk” as a label for non-dairy products and respectfully urges the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate and take appropriate action against any manufacturer found to be offering for sale non-dairy products with the label “milk.”
Establishes animal cruelty offense of cruel confinement of a gestating pig.
Extends “Right to Farm” protection to certain agricultural tourism activities and events; requires adoption of agricultural management practices therefor; and permits special occasion events that promote agricultural tourism to be conducted under certain circumstances.
Expresses support for national ban of non-therapeutic use of antibiotics on livestock.
Would prohibit a person from confining a gestating sow in a manner that prevents the animal from being able to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, or fully extend its limbs.
Expresses support for national ban of non-therapeutic use of antibiotics on livestock. It is the sponsor’s hope that this resolution persuades Congress and the FDA to institute a mandatory ban on non-therapeutic uses of antibiotics in livestock, with significant oversight as to therapeutic uses as well.
Would permit the sale of raw milk by a person holding a valid raw milk permit. The bill would also require the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Health and Senior Services, to establish a raw milk permit program.
Would provide for the establishment of continuing education course requirements for certified animal control officers.
This bill provides that a person may hold an agriculture-related event on preserved farmland if the owner of the land first obtains a permit from the county agriculture development board to hold such an event.
Would require foods produced with genetic engineering to be labeled.
Allows commercial farmer to recover reasonable costs and attorney fees of defending against unreasonable complaints under Right to Farm Act.
Would prohibit a person from confining a gestating sow in an enclosure in a manner that prevents the animal from being able to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, or fully extend its limbs.
Would prohibit a person from confining a gestating sow in an enclosure in a manner that prevents the animal from from being able to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, or fully extend its limbs.
Would require food produced with genetic engineering to be labeled.
This bill would designate the bison (or American buffalo) as agricultural livestock, subject to regulations of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Senior Services. Currently, these animals are considered an “exotic species,” and their possession is regulated by the Division of Fish and Wildlife in the Department of Environmental Protection.
This concurrent resolution memorializes the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency to not impose livestock fees associated with greenhouse gas emissions.
Would establish the Office of Animal Welfare in the Department of Health and Senior Services to have responsibilities that relate to the care, housing, and shelter of animals and the protection of animals from animal cruelty.
Would prohibit forcible feeding of ducks, geese, and other poultry for the production of foie gras.
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New Mexico Legislation
PASSED
Provided that any agricultural operation or agricultural facility is not, nor shall it become, a private or public nuisance by any changed condition in or about the locality of the agricultural operation or agricultural facility if the operation was not a nuisance at the time the operation began and has been in existence for more than one year.
Pass Date: 2/1/2016
FAILED
Would impose restrictions on the use of egg terms on food labels and direct the Food and Drug Administration to issue guidance on enforcement of those restrictions.
Would impose requirements on the sale and advertisement of cultivated meat products. The bill would require cultivated meat to be labeled as “lab-cultured protein” and prohibit the use of “the same or deceptively similar packaging as a meat food product.” It also would require restaurants to present cultivated meat dishes in a separate menu section and prohibit the display of cultivated meat with other meat products in-store displays.
Relating to animal husbandry; enacting the Confinement of Egg Laying Hens Act; prohibiting certain confinement of egg-laying hens; prohibiting the sale of eggs from confined hens.
Prohibits food from being labeled as meat or poultry if the food is not derived from harvested production livestock or poultry.
Would allow producers to elect not to participate in the council assessment through an application process.
Would provide that upon receipt of a petition, the board of county commissioners may make an order prohibiting the running at large of livestock within the limits of the platted town site and platted addition or within the limits of the conservancy or irrigation districts or within the limits of the military reservation or enclave, as the case may be, and shall cause the order to be published once each week for four consecutive weeks in some newspaper published in the county where the petition has been filed.
Would require a person who has made a video or digital recording to submit the recording to a law enforcement agency within 24 hours of determining or having reason to believe that it depicts injury to livestock. It is prohibited to splice, edit or otherwise alter a video or digital recording prior to its submission to a law enforcement agency.
Would provide that any agricultural operation or agricultural facility is not, nor shall it become, a private or public nuisance by any changed condition in or about the locality of the agricultural operation or agricultural facility if the operation was not a nuisance at the time the operation began except that the provisions of this section shall not apply whenever an agricultural operation or agricultural facility is operated negligently or illegally such that the operation or facility is a nuisance.
States a person is guilty of livestock operation interference if the person:
- Without consent from the owner of a livestock operation, or the owner’s agent, knowingly or intentionally records an image of, or sound from, the livestock operation by leaving a recording device on the livestock operation;
- Obtains access to a livestock operation under false pretenses;
- Applies for employment at a livestock operation with the intent to record an image of, or sound from, the livestock operation;
- Knows, at the time that the person accepts employment at a livestock operation, that the owner of the livestock operation prohibits the employee from recording an image of, or sound from, the livestock operation and while present on the livestock operation records an image of, or sound from, the livestock operation; or
- Without consent of the owner of a livestock operation or the owner’s agent, knowingly or intentionally records an image of, or sound from, a livestock operation while the person is committing criminal trespass on the operation.
Would require food produced with genetic engineering to be labeled.
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New York Legislation
PENDING
Would prohibit the aquaculture of octopuses and the transport, possession, and sale of octopuses resulting from aquaculture. The bills would exempt wild-caught octopuses and octopuses reared for non-commercial research purposes.
Status: Introduced 4/15/2025
Would find and declare “that animals are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, stress, and fear.” The bill would state that it is New York’s policy that “animals are to be treated humanely,” and it would establish that “animals shall be considered the victims of animal cruelty crimes and shall be treated as such in a court of law.”
Status: Referred to Assembly Agriculture Committee 01/08/2025
PASSED
Proposal 2: The Environmental Rights Amendment
A New York ballot proposal referred by the legislature to add a right to clean water, clean air, and a healthful environment to the New York Constitution’s Bill of Rights.
It is backed by environmental activists groups: Adirondack Council, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Environmental Advocates of New York, NYC Environmental Justice Alliance, Natural Resources Defense Council, New York League of Conservation Voters, and Open Space Institute.
Pass Date: 11/2/2021
New York Governor signed this bill that requires New York hospitals “to make available upon request plant-based meals and snacks containing no animal products or by-products that are nutritionally equivalent to other menu items. The bill also requires hospitals to list the plant-based options on all written materials and menus.”
Pass Date: 12/9/2019
Council Resolution: Foie Gras Ban
New York City Council has banned Foie Gras. This bill would prohibit retail food establishments or food service establishments from storing, maintaining, selling, or offering to sell force-fed products or food containing a force-fed product. The bill creates a rebuttable presumption that any item with a label or listed on the menu as “foie gras” is the product of force-feeding.
Pass Date: 10/30/2019
FAILED
Would prohibit the manufacture for sale, sale, hold or offer for sale, or distribution of cultivated meat in the state. It would also create penalties for violations ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 and business license suspension.
Requires the establishment of a plant-based agriculture grant program to assist small and medium-sized farms transition to plant-based agriculture.
Would prohibit the confinement of farm animals in a “cruel manner”; provides that anyone who violates such cruel confinement prohibitions shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
This bill prohibits any person to tether or confine any pig during pregnancy, calf raised for veal, or egg-laying hen who is kept on a farm for all or the majority of any day in a manner that prevents such animal from lying down, standing up and fully extending its limbs and turning around freely. It would establish this crime as a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a period not to exceed one year and/or fine not to exceed $1,000.
Allows courts to appoint advocates for animals in civil and criminal cases concerning animal welfare.
This bill would create a task force on animal laws to determine how to improve the relationships between animals and humans and improve animal protection laws.
Establishes that animals are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, stress, and fear and would direct courts to treat animals as victims of crimes in cruelty cases.
Prohibits any person from transporting, holding, buying, selling, giving, receiving, or marketing a non-ambulatory farmed animal unless such animal is first euthanized.
Would allow courts to issue custody orders for companion animals and include companion animals in protective orders in domestic violence cases.
Requires every public school to offer plant-based meals and snacks upon request by any student or any student’s parent.
Expands the requirements for teaching about humane treatment and protection of animals to secondary school students and require certification of compliance.
Prohibits the operation of establishments where animals and/or fowl are slaughtered or butchered for food and would establish a task force on public health risks and animal welfare concerns for slaughterhouses.
Sets requirements for the treatment and humane euthanasia of downed animals and would prohibit the purchase or sale of downed animals for human consumption.
This bill is nearly identical to AB 341, but pertains only to pigs during gestation and calves raised for veal.
Requires the use of cage-free housing systems for egg-laying hens within twenty-four months of the bill’s enactment.
Requires a public school to offer a plant-based food option, a halal food option and a kosher food option as an alternative to every meal or snack offered in food service to students.
Would establish an office of antibiotic-resistance control and ban the use of antibiotics to prevent disease. Sponsor Linda Rosenthal is an ally of the Humane Society of the United States and regular supporter of animal rights legislation.
Pertains to confinement of certain animals for food producing purposes; prohibits any person to tether or confine any pig during pregnancy or calf raised for veal for all or the majority of any day in a manner that prevents such animal from lying down, standing up, and fully extending its limbs and turning around freely; establishes that commission of such crime shall constitute a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a period not to exceed one year and/or fine not to exceed $1,000.
Relates to prohibitions on fur products; prohibits the manufacture, sale, display for sale, trade, giving, donating, or otherwise distributing of a fur product by any means in the state beginning twenty-four months after this act becomes a law.
An act to amend the education law and the state finance law, in relation to protecting medically important antimicrobials for human public health. The aim of this act is to eliminate the overuse and misuse of medically important antimicrobials in food-producing animals to reduce the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial-resistant infections in humans and to preserve the effectiveness of medically important antimicrobials for future generations.
Prohibits the shipment of certain live animals by postal mail into, within, or to points outside of the state of New York and provides for a civil penalty not to exceed one thousand dollars per violation.
Prohibits the operation of establishments where animals and/or fowls are slaughtered or butchered for food; establishes a task force on public health risks and animal welfare concerns of slaughterhouses.
An act to protect medically important antimicrobials for human public health; establishes a livestock producer may provide a medically important antimicrobial to a food-producing animal only if a licensed veterinarian, in the exercise of professional judgment, determines that the provision of the medically important antimicrobial to the animal is necessary: to control the spread of a disease or infection, to treat a disease or infection, or in relation to surgical or other medical procedures; requires veterinarians licensed to practice in New York state to file an annual report detailing their prescribing history of medically important antimicrobials to food-producing animals.
Relates to the creation of a court appointed advocate for animals.
Requires a farm owner or operator that produces shell eggs or liquid eggs for human consumption to confine egg-laying hens in a cage-free housing system.
Relates to prohibiting the operation of establishments where animals and/or fowls are slaughtered or butchered for foods.
Requires licensed slaughterhouses to have a closed circuit camera and television system in all areas with live animals; establishes a reporting requirement pursuant to inspections where a violation is found.
A livestock producer may provide medically important antimicrobial to a food-producing animal only if a licensed veterinarian determines that the provision of the medically important antimicrobial is necessary 1) to control the spread of a disease or infection, 2) to treat a disease or infection, 3) in relation to surgical or other medical procedures. Medically important antimicrobials shall not be used for promoting weight gain, improving feed efficiency or disease prevention.
Would prohibit rodeos from engaging in calf roping or using flank straps or bucking straps on horses, cattle or other livestock.
Prohibits a person from engaging in the non-therapeutic use of antimicrobial agents in cattle, poultry, sheep, swine, or any food-producing animal.
Requires public schools to offer plant-based food options in food service.
Requires disclosure and labeling of food products from cloned animals or the progeny of such animals.
Would establish an animal cruelty registry organized and maintained by the Superintendent of State Police.
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North Carolina Legislation
PENDING
Proposed bill would require products containing lab-grown meat to disclose to purchaser of meat food products that the food product is a cell-cultured meat product.
Status: Referred to Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate 3/26/2025
PASSED
The NC Property Protection Act creates a right of action on behalf of employers against employees who without permission collect information by various means, including unattended recording devices, offering employers recoverable damages up to $5,000 per day, plus attorney’s fees. The Act also holds accountable those who intentionally direct, assist, compensate, or induce another person such trespass (i.e. animal rights organizations).
Pass Date: 10/16/2023
Amended the definition of an agritourism activity to include hunting, fishing, shooting sports and equestrian activities.
Pass Date: 6/12/2020
The bill is an act to make various changes to agricultural laws, including restricting nuisance lawsuits against farms and other livestock and forestry operations and address the mislabeling of plant-based beverages as “milk.” The sale of mislabeled plant-based products will be prohibited with the passing of this act, but only if the same mandate is enacted into law by any 11 of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Pass Date: 6/27/2018
Established an animal welfare hotline to receive reports of allegations of animal cruelty or violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
Pass Date: 10/22/2015
Provided regulatory relief to the agricultural community of North Carolina by providing for various transportation and environmental reforms.
Pass Date: 9/30/2015
Provides that any person who intentionally gains access to the nonpublic areas of another’s premises and engages in an act that exceeds the person’s authority to enter those areas is liable to the owner or operator of the premises for any damages sustained.
Pass Date: 6/4/2015; Ruled Unconstitutional 6/12/2020; Ruled Constitutional 2/23/2023
Maintained the confidentiality of environmental investigations for agricultural operations and direct the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to adopt rules for a formal complaint procedure.
Pass Date: 8/6/2014
Enacted the North Carolina Farm Act of 2013 to limit the liability of NC commodity producers arising from food safety issues related to their products and amend certain egg labeling requirements.
Pass Date: 7/17/2013
FAILED
This bill would phase out the use of manure lagoons on hog farms by September 1, 2027, would direct the Board of Agriculture to establish “minimum humane standards for cows, poultry, and swine,” and would impose criminal liability on farms that violate minimum humane standards effective January 1, 2024.
This bill would require public schools to offer at least one plant-based entrée meal option at all school meals. If enacted, the requirement would become applicable in the 2023-2024 school year.
An act to phase out traditional animal waste management systems that serve swine farms; to establish minimum humane standards for the treatment of cows, poultry, and swine; and to study the potential reporting of antibiotic drug use in livestock raised in North Carolina.
Establishes the North Carolina Animal Abuser Registry. Lawful activities conducted for purposes of biomedical research or training or for purposes of production of livestock, poultry or aquatic species are exempt.
Would allow a county to adopt zoning regulations governing poultry farms with an animal waste management system having a design capacity of 150,000 or more confined poultry, provided that the zoning regulations may not have the effect of excluding poultry farms with an animal waste management system having a design capacity of 150,000 or more confined poultry from the entire zoning jurisdiction.
Would phase out traditional animal waste management systems that serve swine farms and would prohibit a farm owner or operator from confining a veal calf, egg-laying hen or gestating sow on a farm for all or the majority of any day in a manner that prevents the animal from lying down, standing up, fully extending its limbs or turning around freely.
Would require the Division of Public Health of the Department of Health and Human Services, with the cooperation of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to study the use of antibiotic drugs in livestock production in the State.
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North Dakota Legislation
PASSED
Would make it a misdemeanor to remotely pilot an aircraft “over a homestead or secure farmstead, animal feeding, ranching, or livestock operation area” without consent. It would exempt certain purposes, including collecting weather information.
Pass Date: 4/23/2025
Required township and county governments to act within 60 days on a petition to determine whether an animal feeding operation complies with local zoning regulations. Failure to act within that deadline would mean the operation is deemed in compliance.
Pass Date: 5/2/2019
An act to create and enact section 4.1-31-05.1 and a new section to chapter 19-02.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to misrepresenting non meat as a meat food product; to amend and reenact section 4.1-31-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of meat and the nomenclature of edible meat products; and to provide a penalty.
Pass Date: 3/13/2019
Established food labeling standards, direct the clarification of voluntary food labeling standards, and provide for a review of foods derived through the use of biotechnology.
Pass Date: 3/24/2015
An individual may not intentionally interfere with the lawful taking of wildlife on public or private land by another or intentionally harass, drive, or disturb any wildlife on public or private land for the purpose of disrupting a lawful hunt.
Pass Date: 3/20/2015
Measure 3 – North Dakota Farming and Ranching Amendment
Blocks any law which abridges the right of farmers and ranchers to employ agricultural technology, modern livestock production and ranching practices. Ballot passed with 66 percent of the vote.
Pass Date: 11/8/2012
Animal Research Facility Damage Act
Prohibited a person from intentionally damaging or destroying an animal facility, an animal or property in or on the animal facility, or any enterprise conducted at the animal facility; Acquire or otherwise exercise control over an animal facility or an animal or other property from an animal facility with the intent to deprive the owner and to damage the enterprise conducted at the facility; Enter an animal facility, not then open to the public, with intent to commit an act prohibited by this section; Enter an animal facility and remain concealed with intent to commit an act prohibited by this section; Enter an animal facility and commit or attempt to commit an act prohibited by this section; Enter an animal facility and use or attempt to use a camera, video recorder, or any other video or audio recording equipment or intentionally turn out or release any animal in or on an animal facility.
Pass Date: 1991
FAILED
Would provide for a legislative management study of the laws relating to the humane treatment of animals.
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North Dakota Legislation
PENDING
This House Bill would make it a misdemeanor to remotely pilot an aircraft ‘over a homestead or secure farmstead, animal feeding, ranching, or livestock operation area” without consent. It would exempt certain purposes, including collecting weather information.
Status: Introduced from House Agriculture Committee on 01/24/2025.
PASSED
Required township and county governments to act within 60 days on a petition to determine whether an animal feeding operation complies with local zoning regulations. Failure to act within that deadline would mean the operation is deemed in compliance.
Pass Date: 5/2/2019
An act to create and enact section 4.1-31-05.1 and a new section to chapter 19-02.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to misrepresenting non meat as a meat food product; to amend and reenact section 4.1-31-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of meat and the nomenclature of edible meat products; and to provide a penalty.
Pass Date: 3/13/2019
Established food labeling standards, direct the clarification of voluntary food labeling standards, and provide for a review of foods derived through the use of biotechnology.
Pass Date: 3/24/2015
An individual may not intentionally interfere with the lawful taking of wildlife on public or private land by another or intentionally harass, drive, or disturb any wildlife on public or private land for the purpose of disrupting a lawful hunt.
Pass Date: 3/20/2015
Measure 3 – North Dakota Farming and Ranching Amendment
Blocks any law which abridges the right of farmers and ranchers to employ agricultural technology, modern livestock production and ranching practices. Ballot passed with 66 percent of the vote.
Pass Date: 11/8/2012
Animal Research Facility Damage Act
Prohibited a person from intentionally damaging or destroying an animal facility, an animal or property in or on the animal facility, or any enterprise conducted at the animal facility; Acquire or otherwise exercise control over an animal facility or an animal or other property from an animal facility with the intent to deprive the owner and to damage the enterprise conducted at the facility; Enter an animal facility, not then open to the public, with intent to commit an act prohibited by this section; Enter an animal facility and remain concealed with intent to commit an act prohibited by this section; Enter an animal facility and commit or attempt to commit an act prohibited by this section; Enter an animal facility and use or attempt to use a camera, video recorder, or any other video or audio recording equipment or intentionally turn out or release any animal in or on an animal facility.
Pass Date: 1991
FAILED
Would provide for a legislative management study of the laws relating to the humane treatment of animals.
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Ohio Legislation
PENDING
Revised code to regulate imitation meat and egg products. The bill would ban the sale of fake meat that isn’t properly labeled as being fake. The bill would also ban schools and universities from purchasing mislabeled fake meat or lab-grown meat.
Status: Referred to Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee 6/18/2025
PASSED
Ohio Issue 1, 60% Vote Requirement to Approve Constitutional Amendments Measure
Would require a 60% majority from voters to approve a constitutional amendment.
Pass Date: 11/7/2023
Established requirements and responsibilities of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board and the Director of Agriculture in administering and enforcing the rules adopted by the Board that govern the care and well-being of livestock in this state.
Effective Jan. 1, 2018, veal calves must be housed in group pens by 10 weeks of age. Additionally, whether housed in individual stalls or group pens the calves must be allowed to turn around and cannot be tethered. Also effective Jan. 1, tail docking on dairy cattle can only be performed by a licensed veterinarian and if only medically necessary. Also effective Jan. 1, 2026, breeding/gestation stalls can only be used post weaning for a period of time that seeks to maximize embryonic welfare and allows for the confirmation of pregnancy.
Pass Date: 3/31/2010
Ohio Issue 2, Livestock Care Standards Amendment
Established the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board to establish and implement standards of care for livestock and poultry.
Pass Date: 11/3/2009
FAILED
Makes humane society agents subject to bribery law and establishes procedures for the seizure and impoundment of livestock.
Prohibits the death of domesticated animals by the use of a gas chamber. Exempts livestock.
Would make humane society agents subject to bribery law.
Would establish the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board which would establish standards governing the care and well-being of livestock and poultry in the state, subject only to the authority of the General Assembly. When establishing standards, the board shall consider factors including: biosecurity, disease prevention, food safety practices and agricultural best management practices.
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Oklahoma Legislation
PASSED
Prohibited misrepresenting meat as any product not derived from harvested production livestock.
Pass Date: 5/19/2020
“Meat” means any edible portion of livestock, poultry or captive cervid carcass or part thereof and prohibits persons advertising or selling food plans or carcasses from engaging in certain misleading or deceptive practices. Misrepresenting the cut, grade, brand or trade name, or weight or measure of any product, or misrepresenting a product as meat that is not derived from harvested production livestock or poultry; provided product packaging for plant-based items shall not be considered to be in violation of the provisions of this paragraph so long as the packaging displays that the product is derived from plant-based sources.
Pass Date: 4/26/2019
Law states no action for nuisance shall be brought against agricultural activities on farm or ranch land which has lawfully been in operation for two (2) years or more prior to the date of bringing the action. The established date of operation is the date on which an agricultural activity on farm or ranch land commenced. This bill would amend the established date of the operation under certain circumstances.
Pass Date: 5/16/2017
Protected the rights of citizens and lawful residents of Oklahoma to engage in farming and ranching practices. It prohibits the Legislature from passing laws that would take away the right to employ agricultural technology and livestock production without a compelling state interest.
Pass Date: 4/30/2015
Provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to sell, offer or exhibit for sale, or have in his or her possession with intent to sell, any quantity of horse meat for human consumption in Oklahoma; also makes it illegal for someone to transfer possession of any horse meat when they know the person receiving intends to sell it and the State Commissioner of Health can have access to any establishment in which horse meat or feed suspected of containing horse meat is present to examine any and all sales records and to embargo any food or horse meat suspected to being in violation of the law.
Pass Date: 4/1/2013
Provides that new swine feeding operations established on or after November 1, 2011, using liquid swine waste management systems and housing swine in roof-covered structures shall not be located within three (3) miles from the outside boundary of any area or facility with an average annual registered attendance of not less than two thousand (2,000) people and owned or operated as a camp or recreational site by a nonprofit organization established prior to application of the swine feeding operation.
Pass Date: 5/11/2011
FAILED
Bill proposed to prohibit people from being able to manufacture, sell, or distribute lab-grown meat.
Amending 2 O.S. 2021, section 5-107, the Oklahoma Meat Consumer Protection Act. This Bill proposes defining terms; prohibiting production of cell-cultured meat; providing for promulgation and transparency of rules; and providing an effective date.
Would authorize the creation of the “Oklahoma Rural Investment for Sow Farms Program” to help fund updates to breeding sow facilities to transition from the use of gestation crates to group housing, the renovation of group housing pens to meet Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) minimum space standards, and training on HFAC standards for group housing of pregnant sows.
Would limit the circumstances under which drones may be lawfully used. The bill would prohibit the capturing of images “of privately owned real property or of the owner, tenant, occupant, invitee, or licensee of such property with the intent to conduct surveillance,” unless an exclusion applies. It further would create a private right of action for aggrieved parties and would render any improperly obtained footage inadmissible in criminal court.
To establish the “Oklahoma Pregnant Pigs Pilot Program” (HB) and “Oklahoma Rural Investment for Sow Farms Act” (SB.) These programs would create funds and jobs in the state’s pig industry to practice animal husbandry with “responsible animal-care values.” This bill will provide funding to upgrade breeding sow facilities, complete removal of gestation grates, and renovation of existing spaces. The new program would help fund updates to breeding sow facilities to transition from the use of gestation crates to group housing, the renovation of group housing pens to meet Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) minimum space standards, and training on HFAC standards for group housing of pregnant sows. To receive funding under the program, a recipient producer would need to commit to phasing out gestation crates permanently.
Oklahoma Senate Bill 1375 would impose disclosure requirements on licensed food establishments for the sale of any food containing cultivated meat.
A grocery store that is a vendor participating in a federal food program and offering specialty eggs for retail sale shall maintain an inventory of conventional eggs for retail sale sufficient to meet federal and state requirements for participation in the federal food program.
Requires any retailer that sells imported beef to maintain a sign indicating the section of the retail establishment that sells imported beef.
Would allow the creation of prosperity districts.
Would prohibit any animal rights charitable organization to solicit contributions intended for out-of-state or for political purposes.
Any person who meets the hunting requirements of the Department of Wildlife Conservation shall be obligated to kill any and all feral swine upon capture, unless licensed to transport pursuant to the Feral Swine Control Act.
It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, offer or exhibit for sale, or have in his or her possession with intent to sell, any quantity of horse meat for human consumption within the United States.
It shall be lawful to sell, offer or exhibit for sale, or have in his or her possession with intent to sell, any quantity of horse meat for human consumption if: The horse meat is to be exported internationally; The horses are sold through a livestock auction; and The horses are purchased by a livestock dealer.
Would protect the rights of farmers and ranchers to engage in modern farming and ranching practices. It prohibits the Legislature from passing laws that would take away the right to employ agricultural technology and modern livestock production.
Would establish the Oklahoma Livestock Care Standards Board for the purpose of establishing standards governing the care and well-being of livestock and poultry in this state.
Would create the Oklahoma Livestock Care Standards Board for the purpose of establishing standards governing the care and well-being of livestock and poultry in this state.
Would prohibit any person from, without good cause, maliciously and knowingly cutting or damaging a fence used for the production or containment of cattle, bison, horses, sheep, swine, goats, domestic fowl, exotic livestock, exotic poultry or any game animals or domesticated game such that there is a loss or damage to the property.
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Oregon Legislation
PENDING
Proposed bill to prohibits the Department of Environmental Quality from giving water permits to CAFOs that are in a managed ground water area. Prohibits the DEQ from issuing a water quality permit to certain confined animal feeding operations located in a ground water management area.
Status: Public hearing held 4/3/2025
Sets requirements for raising fish as food for humans. Creates a related fund. Establishes certain requirements concerning aquaculture. Establishes the Aquatic Animals Fund, separate and distinct from the General Fund. Appropriates moneys in the Aquatic Animals Fund to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife for certain purposes related to aquaculture and aquatic animals
Status: Public hearing held 2/26/2025
This would prohibit the raising and selling of farmed octopus for human consumption in the state.
Status: Public hearing held 02/03/2025
PASSED
Requires the Oregon Department of Agriculture to conduct a study on concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) and submit its findings to interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to agriculture no later than September 15, 2024.
Pass Date: 7/27/2023
Prohibited a commercial farm owner or operator from confining egg-laying hens in an enclosure that does not meet standards equivalent to the requirements for certification established in the United Egg Producers’ Animal Husbandry Guidelines for U.S. Egg Laying Flocks and would require that enclosures constructed or otherwise acquired on or after January 1, 2012, meet, or be convertible into enclosures that meet, standards equivalent to the requirements for certification of enriched colony facility systems established in the American Humane Association’s farm animal welfare certification program.
Originally, HSUS was pushing a ballot question that would mandate cage-free housing for egg-laying hens by 2019, but dropped the ballot when an agreement was signed by UEP and HSUS. The agreement said HSUS would not move forward with ballot initiatives in Oregon and Washington to go cage free.
Pass Date: 6/22/2011
Prohibited a person from confining a gestating sow in an enclosure for more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period in a manner that prevents the sow from lying down and fully extending its limbs or turning around freely.
Effective: 1/1/2008
FAILED
Requires the Oregon Department of Justice to fund an animal cruelty-focused attorney within the department’s Criminal Justice Division.
Requires the Oregon Department of Agriculture to conduct a study on concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) and submit its findings to interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to agriculture no later than September 15, 2024.
Prohibits the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Agriculture from renewing or issuing a license or permit to allow the construction of new, expanding or potential industrial “confined animal feed operations.”
Abuse, Neglect, and Assault Exemption Modification and Improvement Act
A ballot measure to criminalize basic animal husbandry practices including artificial insemination and humane processing. Specifically would establish that touching or contacting an object of another person with the mouth, anus, or sex organs as a crime.
Prohibits sale, offer for sale, display for sale, trade or other distribution for consideration of fur product in State of Oregon. Prohibits sale, offer for sale, display for sale, trade or other distribution for consideration of fur product in State of Oregon. Establishes that “fur product” does not include animal skin to be converted into leather, cowhide, deerskin, lambskin or sheepskin or animal pelt or skin preserved through taxidermy or for purpose of taxidermy. Provides exemptions from prohibition. Provides that violation committed intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence is punishable by maximum of 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both.
A bill concerning building large-scale dairies has been reintroduced in Oregon. The bill would halt the building of any dairies or expansions exceeding 2,500 cows. If passed the environmental and social impacts of large-scale dairies would be studied.
Authorizes the State Department of Agriculture to to adopt rules establishing program of state inspection for processing and sale of meat products from amenable species, including but not limited to cattle and sheep.
Classifies dairies exceeding specified size as industrial facilities for purposes of right to farm laws, air pollution laws and land use laws. Provides that use of water for industrial dairy is industrial use. Allows local governments to adopt human health and safety ordinances restricting or prohibiting air and water emissions by dairies classified as industrial facilities. Prohibits Department of Environmental Quality and State Department of Agriculture from issuing permits for construction of new industrial dairy or for addition to, or expansion of, existing industrial dairy.
Livestock producers would only be able to provide a medically important antibiotic to their animals if a veterinarian determines it’s necessary to treat or control the spread of a disease or infection, or due to a medical procedure. Farms that are considered concentrated animal feeding operations would have to submit information about their antibiotic usage to the state government, with those records subject to disclosure as public documents.
Would prohibit administration of medically important antibiotics to food-producing animals for non-therapeutic purposes unless there is a significant risk of a disease or infection that is present on the premises being transmitted to the food-producing animal; it is necessary to prevent transmission of the disease or infection; it is provided to the food-producing animal for the shortest duration necessary to prevent transmission of the disease or infection; and it is provided to the smallest number of food-producing animals necessary to prevent transmission of the disease or infection. Would require the operator of a CAFO to file an annual report regarding administration of medically important antibiotics to food-producing animals at the operation. Makes prohibition and reporting applicable to provision of antibiotics to food-producing animals on or after January 1, 2018. Declares emergency, effective on passage.
Would require labeling of genetically engineered fish sold or offered for sale for human consumption and require labeling of packaged products containing genetically engineered fish and sold or offered for sale for human consumption.
Would prohibit administration or other provision of medically important antibiotic to food-producing animal for non-therapeutic purposes. Requires operator of concentrated animal feeding operation to file annual report regarding administration of medically important antibiotics to food-producing animals at operation.
Would add offenses of equine tripping and encouraging animal abuse to definition of “animal welfare laws” for purposes of enforcement by humane special agents.
Would require foods produced with genetic engineering to be labeled.
Would prohibit administration of medically important antibiotics to food-producing animals for non-therapeutic purposes. Would require the operator of a CAFO to file an annual report regarding administration of medically important antibiotics to food-producing animals at the operation. Makes prohibition and reporting applicable to provision of antibiotics to food-producing animals on or after January 1, 2016.
Would require foods produced with genetic engineering to be labeled.
Would permit the Dairy Animal Welfare Board to submit comments to the Legislative Assembly based on the most recent scientific data of accepted animal husbandry practices existing at the time. The comments may include, but need not be limited to, comments regarding the potential impacts on dairy animal care and welfare and on the safety of human dairy food supplies of legislation and ballot initiatives dealing with dairy animal care and agricultural practices affecting dairy animals.
Oregon Caged Hens Measure, Initiative 20
The proposed initiative would have mandated more room for egg-laying hens. Specifically, the measure would have required 1 1/2 square feet of space per hen by 2019. At the time the initiative was filed, an estimated 67 square inches were allotted to each hen.
Oregon Civil Action for Offenses Against Animals Initiative
The measure would have provided a process for civil action for complaints regarding the treatment of animals. The measure specifically would have applied to violations of Oregon Revised Statutes, §167.305 through §167.390, titled Offenses Against Animals.
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Pennsylvania Legislation
FAILED
Would prohibit the manufacturing, selling, delivering for sale, holding for sale or offering for sale of lab grown meat in Pennsylvania Commonwealth.
This bill would prohibit the transportation of a “performance animal,” through the state for purposes of circuses or other traveling animal acts. “Performance animal” is defined to include bears, big cats, elephants, zebras, giraffes, kangaroos, nonhuman primates, tapirs, sharks, seals, sea lions, rhinoceroses, and hippopotami––effectively banning circuses with animals from entering the state.
Status: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs 05/05/2023
Requires a dog that stays outside for more than 30 minutes during anytime of the day to have a shelter. Prohibits a dog from being outside for more than 15 consecutive minutes in severe weather.
SB 188 – Safe Food and Safe Families Act
Prohibits a person from administering to an animal a non-therapeutic amount of penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, lincomycin, bacitracin or virginiamycin. Also prohibits a person from administering a non-therapeutic amount of any other antimicrobial agent designated by the Department of Health of the Commonwealth. A person may also not administer to an animal an antimicrobial agent for growth promotion.
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Pennsylvania Legislation
PENDING
Would prohibit the manufacturing, selling, delivering for sale, holding for sale or offering for sale of lab grown meat in Pennsylvania Commonwealth.
This bill would prohibit the transportation of a “performance animal,” through the state for purposes of circuses or other traveling animal acts. “Performance animal” is defined to include bears, big cats, elephants, zebras, giraffes, kangaroos, nonhuman primates, tapirs, sharks, seals, sea lions, rhinoceroses, and hippopotami––effectively banning circuses with animals from entering the state.
Status: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs 05/05/2023
FAILED
Requires a dog that stays outside for more than 30 minutes during anytime of the day to have a shelter. Prohibits a dog from being outside for more than 15 consecutive minutes in severe weather.
SB 188 – Safe Food and Safe Families Act
Prohibits a person from administering to an animal a non-therapeutic amount of penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, lincomycin, bacitracin or virginiamycin. Also prohibits a person from administering a non-therapeutic amount of any other antimicrobial agent designated by the Department of Health of the Commonwealth. A person may also not administer to an animal an antimicrobial agent for growth promotion.
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Rhode Island Legislation
PENDING
Prohibits the production and sale of force‑fed poultry products (specifically foie gras).
Status: Senate committee recommended measure be held for further study 3/19/2025; House referred to Corporations 5/16/2025
PASSED
Would exempt “egg-laying hens kept for commercial egg production” from the state’s “Unlawful Confinement of a Covered Animal” statute until January 1, 2030. Was passed as an amendment to Substitute A.
Pass Date: 6/24/2024
The bill prohibits the confinement of a covered animal in a manner that prevents the animal from turning around freely, lying down, standing up or fully extending its limbs. Egg farms have until 2026 to comply.
Pass Date: 7/2/2018
Expanded the meaning of unnecessary cruelty to one who willfully, intentionally, maliciously, recklessly and/or knowingly authorizes or permits that animal to be subjected to unnecessary torture, suffering or cruelty of any kind.
Pass Date: 7/11/2013
Established a livestock welfare and care standards advisory council that would review and evaluate laws and rules of the state applicable to the care and handling of livestock.
Pass Date: 6/21/2012
Prohibited a person from confining a gestating sow or veal calf in an enclosure in a manner that prevents the animal from turning around freely, lying down, standing up or fully extending its limbs.
Pass Date: 6/6/2012
FAILED
Prohibits the sale of fur products and would make violations punishable by a civil fine.
Would create an animal abuser registry available to the public.
A bill that prohibits a retail food or a food service establishment from the sale of any force-fed poultry product or food containing a force-fed poultry product and would impose a civil penalty of $500 for each violation.
Would establish the Family Farm Protection Act which would prohibit industrial-sized factory farming. The bill would enact a moratorium on large CAFOs to commence or expand operations on or after the date of enactment.
Prohibits the sale, offer of sale, trade or distribution of fur products as defined and makes any violation punishable by a fine of five hundred dollars ($500) up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) and up to one year in jail.
Bans the sale of cosmetics that are developed or manufactured using animal testing.
Establishes “The Rhode Island animal welfare advisory council,” which will advise the governor and the general assembly on matters relating to animal welfare. Exempts livestock and wildlife.
Prohibits the use of wild or exotic animals in traveling animal acts and sets forth the penalties for violation of such prohibition.
Defines secondary agricultural operations and provides that municipalities may limit and regulate secondary agricultural use but not prohibit such operations.
Would prohibit a person from confining a gestating sow, veal calf or egg-laying hen in an enclosure in a manner that prevents that animal from turning around freely, lying down, standing up or fully extending its limbs. If passed, would require all eggs produced or sold in the state must have a minimum space allowance of 144 square inches per chicken.
Would prohibit a person from confining a gestating sow, veal calf or egg-laying hen in an enclosure in a manner that prevents the animal from turning around freely, lying down, standing up or fully extending its limbs.
Would prohibit a person from confining any gestating sow, veal calf, or egg-laying hen in an enclosure that prevents the animal from turning around fully, lying down, standing up or fully extending the animals limbs. Would allow the continued use of presently owned enclosures for egg-laying hens installed before 7/1/2016 that do not meet the space requirement of 216 inches of available floor space, but if those enclosures are retrofitted, replaced or modified with a new or used enclosure, that enclosure must meet that space requirement.
Would require a person charged with the care or custody of an animal to report concerns of animal abuse, neglect or abandonment to any local or state police department, animal control officials or officers of private organizations devoted to the humane treatment of animals, and shall be immune from suit by reason of making the report.
Would prohibit a farmer, owner or operator from confining veal calves, egg-laying hens and gestating sows in an enclosure that prevents the animal from fulling extending its limbs without touching the sides of the enclosure.
Defines practicing veterinary medicine. A person shall be regarded as practicing veterinary medicine when he/she conducts routine vaccinations or testing of poultry or livestock for the purposes of disease control activity or when a person who advises with respect to or performs acts which are livestock management and animal husbandry practices that have been accepted and performed as required by the livestock welfare and care standards advisory council. Prescription drugs shall not be used except by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian, as provided by state and federal law.
Would permit fishing in trout waters at any time of year without seasonal restriction.
Would require all food produced with genetic engineering be labeled.
Would require any food produced with genetic engineering be labeled.
Would prohibit the use of battery cages for egg-laying hens.
Would create an animal abuser registry available to the public.
Would prohibit a person from confining a gestating sow, veal calf and egg-laying hen in an enclosure in a manner that prevents the animal from lying down, standing up, turning around freely and fully extending its limbs.
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South Carolina Legislation
PASSED
Provide it is unlawful to advertise, sell, label, or misrepresent as “meat” or “clean meat” all or part of a carcass that is cell-cultured meat/protein, or is not derived from harvested production livestock, poultry, fish, or crustaceans, to provide that this provision does not apply to plant-based meat substitutes, and to provide a penalty.
Pass Date: 6/5/2019
A more expedited approval process for new or expanding poultry facilities or other animal agriculture facilities, except a swine facility. Only people living within one mile of the proposed facility may appeal the facility’s operating permit.
Pass Date: 3/12/2018
Creates the “South Carolina farm aid fund” to assist farmers who have suffered at least a forty percent loss of agricultural commodities as a result of the October 2015 flood.
Pass Date: 5/4/2016
Provides that feral hogs, coyotes, and armadillos may be hunted at any time of the year under authority of and pursuant to the conditions contained in a depredation permit issued by the department and from the last day of February to the first day of July of that same year with any legal firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow when notice is given to the department, and to provide conditions for hunting these animals at night.
Pass Date: 6/9/2015
Farm Animal, Crop Operation, and Research Facilities Protection Act
Prohibits a person from: damaging or destroying an animal facility, an animal, or property in or on an animal facility with the intent to disrupt or damage the enterprise conducted at the animal facility; entering an animal facility, not then open to the public, with intent to commit an act prohibited by this section; remaining concealed, with intent to commit an act prohibited by this section; entering or remaining in an animal facility with the intent to disrupt or damage the enterprise conducted at the animal facility and the person had notice that the entry was forbidden; or received notice to depart but failed to do so.
Effective: 6/7/2012
FAILED
Would prohibit cultivated meat products from being labeled as “beef, poultry, fish, or any other meat that the cultivated food product may resemble for the purposes of manufacturing, selling, or holding or offering for sale.” The bill also would require manufacturers and sellers of cultivated meat products to “indicate that the cultivated food product is not beef, poultry, fish, or any other meat that the cultivated food product may resemble.”
Establishes additional criminal penalties for those who trespass on animal agriculture facilities. The bill prohibits entering and interfering with a farm animal on a farm, animal processing facility, or prescribed premises without consent. It would also prohibit the stopping, hinderance, obstruction, or interference with a motor vehicle transporting farm animals.
Would prohibit a person on a dog hunt to permit his dog to enter upon the land of another over which the person does not have hunting rights.
Would require that no animal in the care or custody of an animal shelter may be killed if a rescue group requests possession of the animal; all animal shelters that kill animals must maintain a registry of rescue groups willing to accept animals for the purposes of adoption and who have applied with the shelters to be notified; and at least two business days prior to the scheduled euthanasia of an animal, the shelter having possession of the animal shall provide notice to the rescue group of the scheduled euthanasia.
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South Dakota Legislation
PASSED
An act to revise and repeal provisions related to agriculture production facilities and to provide a penalty therefore citing grand theft as a class 6 felony, including stolen property.
Pass Date: 3/31/2025
A food product shall be deemed to be misbranded if the product is labeled or branded in a false, deceptive, or misleading manner that intentionally misrepresents the product as a meat food product as defined in 39-5-6, a meat by-product as defined in 39-5-6, or as poultry. For the purposes of this title, the term, poultry, includes anything containing meat intended for or capable of use for human consumption, that is derived, in whole or in part, from any domesticated bird intended for human consumption.
Pass Date: 3/29/2019
Requires a producer engaged in producing and selling raw milk to obtain a permit from the Secretary of Agriculture.
Pass Date: 3/12/2015
The Legislature of South Dakota would oppose any attempt for any ballot initiative or acts by the Humane Society of the United States, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and other animal rights groups that would undermine the livelihood of agricultural producers.
Pass Date: 2/9/2012
Supports the establishment of USDA-inspected horse processing plants in the State of South Dakota.
Pass Date: 2/22/2008
FAILED
Prohibit the manufacture, sale, or distribution of cell-cultured meat in this state.
Would prohibit the advertising or sale of products as meat or poultry that are not traditional meat or poultry.
Supports trade negotiations to remove barriers to country of origin labeling.
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Tennessee Legislation
PASSED
Prohibits local governing bodies from adopting or continuing in effect any ordinance regarding the exhibition of livestock.
Pass Date: 7/2/2020
Requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to post a publicly accessible list on its web site of any person convicted of an animal abuse offense.
Pass Date: 5/20/2015
Defines agriculture to include entertainment activities that occur on land where farm products and nursery stock are produced; requires that the Tennessee Right to Farm Act be construed broadly to effectuate its purposes.
Pass Date: 4/1/2014
Expands the list of animal related practices that are exempt from veterinarian license requirements including the use of any manual procedure to test for pregnancy in bovines when performed by a farmer if the farmer meets certain qualifications.
Pass Date: 4/27/2010
FAILED
Would impose minimum confinement requirements for female breeding pigs and for calves raised for veal, requiring that they be able to lie down, stand up, fully extend their limbs, and turn around. Violations would be misdemeanors.
Would prohibit the sale, distribution, and importation for sale or distribution of cultivated meat in the state. Under the bills, a violator could be subject to a $1,000,000 fine and revocation of any applicable food establishment permits.
Enacts the “Tennessee Sustainable Agriculture Advancement Act” to define “sustainable agriculture,” require creation of an office of sustainable agriculture, require higher education institutions to provide educational programs and other assistance, and require the commissioner of agriculture to consider the impact of administrative action on sustainable agriculture.
Prohibits misrepresenting a product as meat or poultry that is not removed from the carcass of slaughtered livestock or poultry.
Prohibits misrepresenting a product as meat or poultry that is not removed from the carcass of slaughtered livestock or poultry
Would require food produced with genetic engineering sold in the state to be labeled.
Any person who intentionally accesses a nonpublic area of another’s premises and engages in an act that exceeds that person’s authority to enter those areas is liable to the owner or operator of the premises for any damages sustained that were caused by the person’s access. An act that exceeds a person’s authority to enter the nonpublic areas of another’s premises includes:
- An employee intentionally enters the nonpublic area of an employer’s premises for a reason other than intent of seeking or holding employment or doing business with the employer, and thereafter, without authorization, captures or removes the employer’s data, paper, records, or any other documents;
- An employee intentionally enters the nonpublic area of an employer’s premises for a reason other than intent of seeking or holding employment, or doing business with the employer, and thereafter, without authorization, records images or sound occurring within an employer’s premises;
- An employee knowingly places on the employer’s premises an unattended camera or electronic surveillance device and uses that camera or device to record images or data.
Would allow a sheriff to authorize any society involved in the prevention of cruelty to animals located in the sheriff’s jurisdictional county to be able to make arrests in such county regarding cruelty to non-livestock animals.
Would require a person who records animal cruelty committed against livestock to report such violation and submit any unedited photographs or video recordings to law enforcement authorities within 24 hours of the photograph’s or recording’s creation.
Would require a person who records animal cruelty committed against livestock to report such violation and submit any unedited photographs or video recordings to law enforcement authorities within 24 hours of the photograph’s or recording’s creation.
Would prohibit any misleading labeling of food produced with genetic engineering sold in the state.
Would prohibit a person to apply for employment with the intent to cause economic damage to the employer by recording video or audio while on the premises of the employer and releasing such recordings to a third party. Would allow all recordings taken in violation to be confiscated and, after their use as evidence, destroyed.
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Texas Legislation
PASSED
Would require all county clerk offices to record livestock marks or brands in a unified, electronic registration system.
Pass Date: 5/3/2025
Prohibits localities from enacting ordinances relating to animal agriculture operations but for very limited circumstances.
Pass Date: 9/1/2023
Texas voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment that creates an explicit right to “engage in generally accepted farm, ranch, timber production, horticulture, or wildlife management practices” on owned or leased property. The constitutional amendment builds upon Texas’s existing “Right to Farm” statute, which insulates agricultural operations from certain types of government oversight and nuisance or other actions.
Pass Date: 5/23/2023
Proposed a constitutional amendment that granted the right engage in farming, ranching, timber production, horticulture, and wildlife management.
Pass Date: 5/8/2023
A bill requiring alternative meat products to carry specific labels. The bill requires these products to be labeled with one of the following terms: “analogue; meatless; plant-based; made from plants, or a similar qualifying term.”
Pass Date: 5/4/2023
A bill relating to the protection of animal and crop facilities; creating a criminal offense for those entering animal and crop facilities.
Pass Date: 6/18/2021
Ensures that the Farm Animal Liability Act applies to working ranches and and in situations involving injured ranchers and ranch hands.
Pass Date: 6/4/2021
Adds a concentrated animal feeding operations to the list of facilities that drones are prohibited from flying over.
Pass Date: 6/15/2017
Prohibits the use of drones to conduct “surveillance” of people and properties and making it a misdemeanor offense for possessing or distributing such an image.
Pass Date: 6/14/2013
Makes a person with a fence that is insufficient who kills or wounds a head of cattle, horse, goat or sheep liable to the owner of the animal for damages.
Pass Date: 6/14/2013
Requires the Texas Animal Health Commission to conduct a study regarding the current risk level for bovine tuberculosis in certain states determined by the Commission to be infected or at high risk for bovine tuberculosis. By 9/1/2014, the Commission must submit a report of the findings to the Department of Agriculture and others listed.
Pass Date: 6/14/2013
FAILED
A joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to reserve to the people the powers of initiative and referendum.
Would prohibit nuisance actions against agricultural operation that have been operating for at least one year.
Would require annual soil tests for certain concentrated animal feeding operations by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Status: Introduced 3/14/2023, Referred to Natural Resources & Economic Development 5/12//2023
Impose labeling requirements for plant-based alternatives and cultivated meat products that clearly communicates the contents of the product.
Status: Introduced 1/27/2023, Laid on the table subject to call
Relating to a prohibition on the sale, production, or distribution of lab-grown meat; authorizing a civil penalty.
Status: Introduced 10/16/23; died in chamber
This bill would prohibit “the sale of any meat or food derived from livestock injected with mRNA vaccine unless the product’s label includes a notice.”
A bill relating to the advertising and labeling of certain meat food products. The bill would block the usage of “meat”, “beef”, “chicken”, “pork”, or any “common variation” on meat alternative packaging.
A person commits an offense if the person 1) intentionally releases, steals, destroys, or otherwise causes the loss of an animal or crop from an animal or crop facility without the consent of the owner or operator of the facility; 2) damages vandalizes or steals any property from the facility; 3) breaks and enters into the facility with the intent to destroy or alter records, data, materials, equipment, animals or crops; 4) knowingly obtains control by theft or deception or exerts unauthorized control over any materials, equipment, animals or crops of the facility for the purpose of depriving the owner or operator of the facility of those materials, equipment, animals or crops.
Relating to the advertising and labeling of certain meat food products.
Would amend Article 1, Section 34 of the Texas Constitution to include that people have the right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife, including the use of traditional methods, subject to laws and regulations to conserve and manage wildlife and preserve the future of hunting and fishing. Would also state that hunting and fishing are preferred methods of managing and controlling wildlife.
Would establish a 16-member Texas Livestock Care Standards Advisory Committee. The committee would be required to research and develop standards governing livestock and poultry care, food safety, local food availability, food affordability, and best farm management practices for animal well-being.
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Utah Legislation
PASSED
Bill would institute labeling requirements for meat alternatives
Pass Date: 3/19/2025
Would provide that “a governmental entity may not grant legal personhood to, nor recognize legal personhood in a nonhuman animal.”
Pass Date: 3/20/2024
This bill amends the law that was originally passed in 2021. It now reads that beginning on January 1, 2030, a farm owner or operator may not knowingly confine a laying hen in an enclosure that is not a cage-free housing system or that has less than the amount of usable floor space per hen as required by the 2017 edition of the United Egg Producers (UEP) Animal Husbandry Guidelines for U.S. Egg-Laying Flocks: Guidelines for Cage-Free Housing.”
Pass Date: 3/13/2024
This bill amends that it is not a defense to theft of livestock or a domestic animal that the livestock or domestic animal is sick, injured, or a liability to the owner. This would further prevent activists from using a “right to rescue” defense in court after claiming an animal was ill at the time of the theft.
Pass Date: 2/9/2023
A bill to prohibit farm owners and operators from confining egg-laying hens in an enclosure that is not a cage-free housing system or that has less usable floor space per hen than required by specific industry guidelines beginning January 1, 2025.
Pass Date: 3/18/2021
A bill to enact the Large Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Act that would require the adoption of county-level large concentrated animal feeding operation land use ordinances under certain circumstances.
Pass Date: 3/16/2021
Requires a plaintiff to file a nuisance lawsuit against an agricultural operation only if the property affected by the operation is located outside one-half mile of the source of the activity alleged to be the nuisance or if the action is filed more than one year after the establishment of the operation.
Pass Date: 3/21/2019
Prohibits a person from intentionally, knowingly or recklessly chasing or otherwise disturbing the peace of livestock with a motor vehicle, dog or aircraft (such as a drone).
Pass Date: 3/21/2017
Prohibits engaging in game fowl fighting.
Pass Date: 3/30/2015
Requires a venue that holds a horse event to report any incidents of horse tripping to the Department of Agriculture and Food.
Pass Date: 3/24/2015
Amends the definition of practice of veterinary medicine to include dispensing any drug, medicine, treatment, method, or practice.
Pass Date: 3/25/2010
Expands the duties of the Utah Agricultural Advisory Board to include duties related to acceptable livestock husbandry practices.
Pass Date: 3/23/2010
FAILED
This bill modifies the authority of a political subdivision to enact regulations regarding animal enterprises and working animals.
Would make a person guilty of agricultural operation interference if the person without consent from the owner of the agricultural operation, or the owner’s agent, knowingly or intentionally records an image of, or sound from, the agricultural operation by leaving a recording device on the agricultural operation; obtains access to an agricultural operation under false pretenses; applies for employment at an agricultural operation with the intent to record an image of, or sound from, the agricultural operation; knows, at the time that the person accepts employment at the agricultural operation, that the owner of the agricultural operation prohibits the employee from recording an image of, or sound from, the agricultural operation; and while employed at, and while present on, the agricultural operation, records an image of, or sound from, the agricultural operation; or without consent from the owner of the operation or the owner’s agent, knowingly or intentionally records an image of, or sound from, an agricultural operation while the person is committing criminal trespass on the agricultural operation.
Passed 3/7/2012; Ruled unconstitutional 7/8/2017
Would allow a producer who sells raw milk at a self-owned retail store to also offer pasteurized milk at the same location.
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Vermont Legislation
PASSED
Requires livestock animals confined in enclosed areas to be provided adequate exercise. Also requires livestock to be provided adequate shelter, meaning allowing “six inches of clearance above the largest animal’s ears when the animal is standing in a normal position.”
Pass Date: 6/23/2020
SB 160
An act relating to agricultural development.
Pass Date: 6/20/2019
HB 112
Requires food produced with genetic engineering to be labeled.
Pass Date: 5/8/2014
HB 52
Amends the definition of “poultry product” to not include quail, pheasant and partridge.
Pass Date: 4/28/2011
SB 295
Establishes the Livestock Care Standards Advisory Council to evaluate the laws of the state and provide policy recommendations regarding the care, handling, and well-being of livestock in the state.
Pass Date: 5/12/2010
FAILED
Amends the right-to-farm law to provide that a farm or farm operation shall not be found to be a public or private nuisance under one or both of the following: the farm or farm operation existed before a change in the land use or occupancy in proximity to the farm, and if before that change in land use or occupancy of the farm, the farm or farm operation would not have been a nuisance; or the farm or farm operation alleged to be a nuisance conforms to State and federal law.
Prohibits the sale of a product labeled as meat, a meat food product, poultry, or a poultry product, or food when the product does not contain meat.
Prohibits the sale of a food product labeled as milk or labeled as a dairy product unless the product conforms to the State definition of “milk” or “dairy product” or conforms to a federal standard of identity.
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets to create a voluntary label for shell eggs sold in Vermont that were produced by domesticated egg-producing chickens in compliance with Vermont’s animal cruelty laws.
Would allow a farmer who raised livestock to slaughter the livestock. Would also allow multiple persons to have an ownership interest in the livestock for slaughter.
This bill proposes to clarify that cell-cultured meat is not meat for the purposes of selling and labeling meat under State law.
Amends the right-to-farm law in Vermont to provide that no action for nuisance shall be brought against the owner or operator of a farm that is lawfully conducting agricultural activities.
This bill proposes to clarify the definition of “milk” to mean the pure lacteal secretion of hooved animals. A product sold as milk that does not conform to the definition of “milk” would be an adulterated product subject to penalty by the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets.
Would prohibit a farm owner, operator, or manager from knowingly confining a gestating sow in an enclosure in a manner that prevents the animal from turning around freely, lying down, standing up, or fully extending the limbs of the animal.
Would prohibit the practice of tail docking bovine unless the tail docking procedure is performed by a veterinarian in order to relieve pain or save the life of the bovine.
Would prohibit a person from confining a gestating sow in an enclosure in a manner that prevents the animal from turning around freely, lying down, standing up and fully extending its limbs.
Would prohibit the practice of tail docking horse or bovine unless tail docking is performed by a veterinarian in order to relieve pain or to save the life of the animal.
Would prohibit a person from confining a gestating sow in an enclosure in a manner that prevents the animal from turning around freely, lying down, standing up and fully extending its limbs.
HB 367
Would require food produced with genetic engineering sold in the state of Vermont to be labeled as such.
Would require a representative from the Humane Society of the United States, Vermont Humane Society or similar organization to be present and observe when livestock are slaughtered and to report alleged violations of humane slaughter rules to the Secretary.
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Virginia Legislation
PASSED
Requires the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to convene a Task Force on Transparency in Publicly Funded Animal Testing Facilities, consisting of legislators and stakeholders, for the purpose of identifying potential deficiencies in publicly funded animal testing facilities and recommending methods and context for making certain information about such animal testing facilities publicly available. The bill requires the Task Force to report its findings no later than November 1, 2024.
Pass Date: 4/8/2024
Provides that outdoor tethering of an animal does not meet the requirement that an animal be given adequate shelter (i) unless the animal is safe from predators and well suited and well equipped to tolerate its environment or (ii) during a heat advisory or during the effective period for a severe weather warning. Exempts livestock.
Pass Date: 4/9/2020
Prohibits a person to rope, lasso, or otherwise obstruct or interfere with one or more legs of an equine in order to intentionally cause it to trip or fall for the purpose of engagement in a rodeo, contest, exhibition, entertainment, or sport unless such actions are in the practice of accepted animal husbandry or for the purpose of allowing veterinary care. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the dehorning of cattle conducted in a reasonable and customary manner.
Pass Date: 3/23/2015
Before seizing and impounding any agricultural animal, would require a humane investigator, law enforcement officer or animal control officer to contact the state veterinarian who shall recommend the most appropriate action for effecting the seizure and impoundment of the agricultural animal.
Pass Date: 3/28/2011
Provides that any veterinarian who makes a report of suspected animal cruelty or who provides records or information related to a report of suspected cruelty or testifies in any judicial proceeding arising from such report, records, or information shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability or administrative penalty or sanction on account of such report, records, information, or testimony, unless such veterinarian acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose.
Pass Date: 4/11/2010
FAILED
Defined “milk” as “the lacteal secretion of a healthy hooved mammal” and provides that a food product is unlawfully misbranded if its label states that it is milk and it fails to meet such definition, except for human breast milk.
Provides that a tether meets the requirement that an animal be given adequate space if the tether is four times the length of the animal or 15 feet long, whichever is greater, and does not cause injury or pain or weigh more than one-tenth of the animal’s body weight. The bill provides that the walking of an animal on a leash by its owner shall not constitute tethering for the purpose of the definition of “adequate space.”
Provides that a food product shall be deemed misbranded if it purports to be, or is represented as, a meat food product while containing no meat, except to the extent that its label bears the word “imitation” followed by the name of the meat food product being imitated.
Would establish an animal cruelty registry organized and maintained by the Superintendent of State Police.
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Washington Legislation
PASSED
Commercial net-pen fishing ban
Board of Natural Resources adopted a rule banning the industry of net-pen fish farming and in early January 2025.
Pass Date: 1/7/2025
Prohibits the farming of octopus on land and water, in addition to banning the importation of farmed octopus in the state.
Pass Date: 03/13/2024
The department of agriculture must conduct a study evaluating whether hemp and hemp products should be an allowable component of commercial feed in Washington. If the department determines that allowing some use of hemp in commercial feed is appropriate, then they must take the appropriate administrative actions to allow for commercial feed license holders to include hemp in their feed formulations.
Pass Date: 4/25/2015
Requires all commercial egg layer operations to meet the 2017 edition of the United Egg Producers’ animal husbandry guidelines and cage-free housing guidelines.
Pass Date: 5/7/2019
Bans new leases to aquaculture non-native net pen operations and prohibits the renewal of existing leases of aquaculture operation in Washington’s waters.
Pass Date: 3/7/2018
Establishes a certification program and timeline for commercial egg laying chicken operations with more than 3,000 laying hens to be in compliance with the American Humane Association standards.
Pass Date: 5/10/2011
FAILED
This bill, proposed in Washington, would ban fur farming in the state. If passed, it would set a dangerous precedent for the potential ban of other farming practices.
Would prohibit the sale and trade of fur products, except for used or lawfully hunted or trapped fur products sold by certain individuals. It would impose a civil penalty on violators of up to $1,000 per fur product.
This bill would prohibit activities related to the production and manufacturing of fur products, including a ban on mink farming in the state.
A food is considered misbranded if it is a meat analogue and (a) its labeling or advertisement utilizes an identifiable meat term; and (b) the labeling or advertisement does not clearly indicate that the product does not contain meat from an animal by using one or more of the following words or phrases or comparable qualifiers: “Plant-based,” “vegan,” “meatless,” “meat free,” “vegetarian,” “veggie,” “made from plants,” or “veggie-based.”
A person may not advertise, sell, or offer for sale a cell-cultured meat product in the state of Washington. State funding may not be appropriated or expended to fund research or development of cell-cultured meat product.
1130 – HSUS Ballot Initiative: Eggs
This measure would prohibit confining egg-laying hens, as defined, in stacked cages or cages that prevent hens from turning around freely, lying down, standing up, or fully extending their wings. It would also prohibit selling eggs produced by hens thus confined. The measure was backed by HSUS, ASPCA and Farm Sanctuary. It was dropped and did not appear on the ballot after an agreement was reached between HSUS and United Egg Producers.
Dropped 7/2011
Would make it a crime of interference with agricultural production if an individual knowingly is not employed by an agricultural production facility and enters by theft, force, threat, misrepresentation or trespass; obtains records of an agricultural production facility by force, threat, misrepresentation or trespass; obtains employment with an agricultural production facility by force, threat or misrepresentation with the intent to cause economic or physical injury to the facility’s operations, property, personnel or goodwill; enters an agricultural production facility that is not open to the public and without the owner’s written consent and makes video recordings of the agricultural production facility’s operations; or intentionally causes economic or physical injury to the operation.
Would allow for an owner, the owner’s immediate family member, the agent of an owner, or the owner’s documented employee to kill a mammalian predator, regardless of state classification, without a permit or other form of permission to protect livestock.
Would require inspections, specialized training and other enhanced workplace standards on dairy farms.
Would create a Livestock Care Standards Board and authorize the board to adopt minimal standards regarding the care of livestock and poultry. Requires the state veterinarian must serve as the chair of the board and when making appointments to the board, the director must ensure that there are participating qualified experts for each major species represented in the livestock industry and at least two individuals who are considered to be consumer advocates.
Would require food offered for retail sale in the state that is produced with genetic engineering to be labeled by July 1, 2015.
Washington Farm Animal Cruelty Prevention, Initiative 1130
The measure would have adopted new rules for egg-laying hens in Washington. More specifically, the measure would have required “egg-laying hens have enough room to turn around and extend their wings and that eggs sold in the state are produced incompliance with this humane standard.
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West Virginia Legislation
PASSED
The Truth in Food Product Labeling Act imposes labeling restrictions on plant-based alternatives and cultivated meat products, among other food labeling requirements. The law also empowers the Commissioner of Agriculture to establish rules pertaining to violations, enforcement, and appeals.
Pass Date: 3/9/2024
Any person who willfully trespasses on the property of another which constitutes an animal or crop facility with the intent to commit larceny, destroy property, or disrupt the operation of the facility is guilty of willful trespass upon an animal or crop facility.
Pass Date: 4/14/2020
Protects the right to farm and protect agricultural operations from nuisance litigation if the facility has been in operation for more than one year.
Pass Date: 3/9/2019
Regulates captive cervid farming as an agricultural enterprise.
Pass Date: 4/15/2015
Allows the Livestock Care Standards Board to establish standards governing the care and well-being of livestock, maintain food safety, encourage locally grown and raised food, and protect West Virginia farms and families.
Pass Date: 5/15/2013
Creates a Livestock Care Standards Board to prescribe standards for livestock care and well-being.
Pass Date: 4/22/2010
FAILED
Establishes that “a person may not offer to sell, sell or produce a cell-cultured animal product for human or animal consumption.” Would impose a civil penalty of up to $25,000.
This bill would establish a publicly available animal abuser registry.
Provides protections to owners of livestock and other domestic animals when the animals trespass on property of another.
Would authorize the Commissioner of Agriculture to promulgate a legislative rule relating to livestock care standards.
Would authorize the Department of Agriculture to promulgate a legislative rule relating to Livestock Care Standards.
Would authorize the Commissioner of Agriculture to promulgate a legislative rule relating to the inspection of meat and poultry.
Would permit the Livestock Care Board to establish standards for equine boarding facilities.
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Wisconsin Legislation
FAILED
Prohibits the use of the word “milk” on any food product label unless it contains milk derived from cows or other hooved or camelid mammals.
Prohibits localities from adopting measures regulating any “farm or other commercial operation that raises or confines animals as a commercial enterprise” in areas “zoned exclusively or primarily for agricultural use.” Absent a substantial threat to public health or safety, localities in those areas would not be able to impose stricter animal welfare standards, limit species, limit animal uses at or after departure from an animal enterprise, or require vaccines or medications beyond those specified by state law.
Prohibits labelling food as a dairy product or dairy ingredient unless it is derived from a hooved mammal.
Prohibits labelling a food product as meat unless it is from an animal.
Prohibits labelling a food product as milk unless it is from a cow, goat, or other hooved animal.
Prohibits a person from labeling a food product as, or selling or offering for sale a food product that is labeled as, any type of meat product or “meat” unless the food product is derived from an edible part of the flesh of an animal or any part of an insect and does not include cultured animal tissue that is produced from animal cell cultures.
Clarifies that a person abandons an animal if the person fails to make arrangements for the animal’s proper care, sustenance, and shelter. The bill clarifies that a person must provide an animal with adequate food and water. However, the bill specifies that the prohibition against treating an animal cruelly does not impose requirements or standards more stringent than normally accepted animal husbandry practices for farm animals and does not impose requirements for providing food and water to farm animals that exceed normally accepted animal husbandry practices.
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Wyoming Legislation
PASSED
Prohibits misrepresenting a product as meat that is not derived from harvested production livestock or poultry; requiring rule making; and providing for effective dates.
Pass Date: 2/26/2019
Requires the state veterinarian to keep an official record of all livestock animals tested for tuberculosis and submit a copy of the record to state and federal animal health officials.
Pass Date: 2/12/2013
FAILED
Prohibiting the manufacture, sale and distribution of cultivated meat for human consumption.
A person is guilty of trespassing to collect resource data if the person enters onto the land without an ownership interest in the real property or, statutory, contractual or other legal authorization to enter or access the land to collect resource data; or written or verbal permission of the owner, lessee or agent of the owner.
In 2016, an amendment (SB76) was added which would make an individual guilty of civil trespass if that person enters onto private land for the purpose of collecting resource data if they do not have an ownership interest in the real property, authorization to enter the private land to collect the resource data; or the written or verbal permission of the owner, lessee or agent of the owner to enter.
The state of Wyoming’s district court ruled that Senate File 12 (the Data Trespass Law) is unconstitutional because it is “in violation of the First Amendment.” This lawsuit was initiated by Western Watersheds Project, National Press Photographers Association and Natural Resources Defense Council.
Amending the crimes of cruelty to animals and aggravated cruelty to animals.
Would make a person (other than a law enforcement officer) guilty of interference with an agricultural operation if the person: knowingly or intentionally records an image of or sound from the operation by concealing or placing a recording device on the premises of the operation without the consent of the owner or manager; obtains access to the operation under false pretenses; while employed, records an image or sound if the person knew at the time they accepted employment that the owner prohibited recording an image or sound from the operation.
Would require any person to report concerns of animal cruelty within 48 hours to any peace officer employed with local government.
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Federal Legislation
PENDING
This bill seeks to ban commercial octopus farming in the United States and prohibit the import of farmed octopus products. It aims to protect octopuses from inhumane farming conditions, prevent ecological harm, and reinforce the U.S.’s commitment to animal welfare and marine ecosystem health.
Status: Introduced 6/4/2025
HR 3683 – FBI Animal Cruelty Taskforce Act
This bill seeks to establish a dedicated task force within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate and build cases of animal cruelty against abusers, including dogfighting, cockfighting, crush videos, and other acts of animal abuse. The task force will also develop training resources to help local law enforcement identify and combat animal abuse in their communities. This act requires that there is an annual report submitted to Congress.
Status: Introduced and Referred to House Committee 6/3/2025
The bill seeks to amend the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit the confinement of breeding pigs in ways that prevent them from lying down, standing up, or turning around freely. The bill is proposed to outlaw the use of gestation crates.
Status: Introduced 4/3/2025
SB 1326 – Food Security and Farm Protection Act
Would prohibit any state or local government from interfering with commerce and agricultural practices in another state outside their jurisdiction.
Status: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 4/8/2025
Meat and Poultry Investigator Act
This proposed Bill would strengthen the enforcement of existing price-fixing laws to ensure America’s meatpackers comply. The bill would empower a team of investigators at the USDA to prevent anticompetitive practices in the meat and poultry industry by enforcing existing antitrust laws, in coordination with DoJ and Federal Trade commission.
Status: Introduced 3/20/2025
SB 1129 / Dietary Guidelines Reform Act of 2025
This proposed House Bill aims to reform the Biden administration’s protein recommendations and amend the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990. The Bill would expand the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) from every five to ten years and subject the DGA process to federal rulemaking to ensure input from stakeholders.
Status: Introduced 3/25/2025
HB 2222 – The Lowering Egg Prices Act
Representative Josh Riley introduced this bi-partisan bill proposed to lower egg prices for consumers by “cutting bureaucratic red tape that forces farmers to discard hundreds of millions of eggs each year.”
Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce 3/18/2025
Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act of 2023
Also known as the Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act. This Bill provides that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may, under specified circumstances, request access to a concentrated animal-feeding operation to conduct microbial sampling. Specifically, the bill allows the FDA to request access if the FDA determines that sampling is necessary to facilitate an investigation of a foodborne-illness outbreak, determine the cause of the outbreak, or address other public health needs. The bill provides that such an operation shall be subject to penalties for refusing such a sampling.
Status: Introduced 9/13/2023
The Industrial Agriculture Accountability Act (IAA) would introduce a suite of reforms to the USDA and to the regulation of large animal feeding operations (AFOs), including: Establishing an Office of High-Risk AFO Disaster Mitigation and Enforcement within the USDA. Require AFO owners to submit detailed reports about the potential disasters and mitigation plans, including plans to protect animals during a natural disaster or move them to safety. Ban ventilation shutdown (VSD), ventilation shutdown plus (VSD+), and water-based foaming, and require the USDA to issue a ruling on acceptable culling methods that are as humane as possible if culling is unavoidable. Create a public database to house AFO disaster mitigation plans and information on culling events that can be used to bring violators to court. Ensure contract farmers and their workers are properly compensated after a natural disaster occurs or if mitigation plans fail, including for loss of revenue, overtime work, medical expenses, severance, etc. Require AFO owners to compensate local communities for any damages caused by the farm during a natural disaster, including water pollution cleanup, loss of property value, and health impacts.
Status: Read twice; referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Industrial Agriculture Conversion Act
This act would which would allow farmers to voluntarily convert their on-farm infrastructure toward more climate-friendly uses with USDA conservation dollars.
Status: Introduced and sponsored by Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC), Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) 09/30/2024
The Federal Food Administration would enforce food provisions under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and manage a new program for inspecting food facilities.
Status: The bill was introduced by Senators Richard Durbin and Richard Blumenthal and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions 07/23/2024
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the practice of feeding excrement to farm animals, and for other purposes.
Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 06/17/2024
The act would prohibit the production of farmed octopus in the United States and would ban the import of any farmed octopus or octopus products while also imposing fines for violations of such an act.
Status: Introduced and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 7/25/2024
The act calls to create standards for handling pigs on farms, during transport and at slaughter, remove downed pigs from the food system, and create an online portal for agricultural workers to report violations of the bill’s standards related to workers safety and animal welfare. The portal would be overseen by the USDA and the Department of Justice and be required to release and annual aggregate report of all portal submissions.
Status:09/2023 – referred to Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
The REAL Meat Act of 2024 (HB 8757)
Would prohibit the use of federal funds to support the “research, production, advancement, or enhancement” of cell-cultivated meat.
Status: Introduced and Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture 6/14/2024
This act will integrate voluntary conservation practices in the livestock industry that reduce emissions. The USDA will provide financial incentives to farmers who adopt the practices. If the act is enacted (HA), the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service will be required to establish and operate lab testing facilities to study how to reduce enteric methane emissions, plus the practices and products to help reduce it.
Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 03/22/2024
Consistent Egg Labels Act of 2024 (SB 3584)
Would impose restrictions on the use of egg terms on food labels and direct the Food and Drug Administration to issue guidance on enforcement of those restrictions.
Status: Read twice and Referred to Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee 1/11/2024
Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels Act of 2024
Would task the USDA with creating labels that make it clear that imitation meat is not natural, farm-raised meat.
Status: Introduced and Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture 1/30/2024; Read twice and Referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 1/30/2024
Would prohibit the use of cultivated meat in lunches and breakfasts served through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.
Status: Read twice and Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 01/25/2024
Preempts states and local governments from regulating the raising, production, and importation of livestock or livestock-derived goods from another state or local government.
Status: Introduced 11/30/2023
The “Real Marketing Edible Artificials Truthfully (Real MEAT) Act of 2023,” would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem all plant-based meat products as “misbranded” unless their labels “bear, in type of uniform size and prominence, the word ‘imitation’ immediately before or after the name of the food and a statement that clearly indicates the product is not derived from, or does not contain, meat.”
Status: Referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, 11/09/2023
HSUS calls for Congressional support to the Better CARE for Animals Act
The Human Society of the United States (HSUS) called on its supporters to contact their U.S. Senators and Representatives with messages urging the officials to cosponsor the Better CARE for Animals Act. Activists claimed the animal care act would grant the Department of Justice (DOJ) and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) the authorization to enforce license revocations, civil penalties, and search & seizure of “mistreated” animals. On its website, HSUS directed its supporters to utilize scripted messages intended to be sent to legislators.
Status: Introduced on 10/18/2023
Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act
The legislation prohibits state and local governments from interfering with agricultural production nationwide, while preserving their ability to regulate farming and ranching within their jurisdictions.
Status: Reintroduced 6/15/2023
To protect public health and human safety by prohibiting the farming of mink for their fur, to compensate farmers as they transition out of the industry, and for other purposes.
Status: Introduced and referred to the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Budget on 07/10/2023
Would amend the Animal Welfare Act to ban the confinement of pregnant pigs.
Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, 06/01/2023
Would require publics schools to offer plant-based milk alternatives to students participating in the National School Lunch Program.
Status: Introduced in House 03/17/2023; Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce 03/17/2023
Would require changes be made by the animal agriculture industry to mitigate climate change and improve animal welfare. Regenerative agriculture would be required by 2030. The bill would prohibit “forms of physical mutilation including debeaking, beak or bill trimming, declawing, pinioning, wattle trimming, desnooding, detoeing, nose rings, and tusk removal.” It would required animals for agriculture to live in “a condition that allows the animal to socialize naturally, to engage in natural behaviors, to have freedom of movement, and to be reared with a mother and weaned at a natural time[.]”
Status: Introduced to House 1/27/2023, Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology 2/23/2023, Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry 2/23/2023.
Would require non-dairy products made from nuts, seeds, and plants to no longer be mislabeled with dairy terms such as milk, yogurt, or cheese.
Status: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions 2/28/2023
Would require reforms within the Department of Agriculture to prevent ongoing discrimination against Black farmers and ranchers, including by providing free agricultural land grants to eligible Black individuals. The bill would prohibit land grants from being used for animal feeding operations except in very limited circumstances.
Status: Introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 1/26/2023
Would place a moratorium on large concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), strengthen the Packers and Stockyards Act and require country of origin labeling on beef, pork, and dairy products.
Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry 3/06/2023
PASSED
This bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to take appropriate steps to encourage direct representation of county and tribal governments, as well as agriculture, forestry, rangeland sectors, and other rural interests on the Drone Advisory Committee.
Pass Date: 12/31/2020
A bill to increase the number of CBP Agriculture Specialists and support staff in the Office of Field Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and for other purposes.
Pass Date: 3/3/2020
The President has passed a bill that makes animal cruelty a federal felony.
Pass Date: 11/26/2019
This bill is commonly known as the Farm Bill.
Pass Date: 12/20/2018
Would ensure food, agriculture and animal and human health sectors receive attention and are integrated into the Department of Homeland Security domestic preparedness policy initiatives.
Pass Date: 6/30/2017
An act to provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018.
Pass Date: 2/7/2014
Prohibits a person from intentionally physically disrupting the functioning of an animal enterprise by intentionally stealing, damaging, or causing the loss of enterprise property, including animals and records (or conspiring to do so).
Pass Date: 8/4/1992
FAILED
This bill would impose penalties on individuals or entities that finance terrorism and targets U.S. citizens or businesses linked to such activities with tax-related penalties, aiming to deter terrorism financing. Animal rights groups are concerned they’ll lose nonprofit status for engaging in domestic terrorism activities.
Status: Died in Chamber 12/02/2024
This bill would prohibit federal funds from being used for depopulation purposes. It would also create a publicly available USDA database to track depopulation throughout the country.
On November 22, U.S. Senator Cory Booker announced the Industrial Agriculture Accountability Act of 2022 bill, which would place the liability for disaster mitigation on large livestock “corporations and industrial operators” by requiring those entities to register with USDA, submit disaster preparedness plans, and pay a fee to establish a fund focused on disaster events.
The amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2023 would create a pilot program by March 2023 to offer “plant-based protein options” at least two Navy forward operating bases.
To amend the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit the confinement of pregnant pigs, and for other purposes.
In voting to approve the America COMPETES Act, the U.S. House of Representatives included a provision to ban mink farming throughout the United States.
A bill to amend the Lacey Act of 1981 to ban all import, export, transport, sale, receipt, acquirement, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce of mink, and for other purposes.
A bill to create a voluntary grant program for school districts to aid schools in providing plant-based options to students.
To prevent states and local jurisdictions from interfering with the production and distribution of agricultural products in interstate commerce. Five Republican senators introduced the Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act. This act will prevent states like California from radically regulating farmers and ranchers in other states. The bill is intended to halt California’s Proposition 12, which would require that meat sold but not produced in the state comes from animals whose living conditions conform with the animal rights standards in the proposition.
A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit the issuance of permits under title V of that Act for certain emissions from agricultural production.
To establish the Office of Intelligence in the Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes.
To establish an Animal Cruelty Crimes Section within the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, and for other purposes.
A bill to address global public health risks posed by wildlife markets. Specifically, the bill prohibits importing, exporting, purchasing, or selling live wild animals in the United States for human consumption as food or medicine.
This bill was re-introduced and will place an immediate moratorium on large concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), “strengthen” the Packers and Stockyards Act, and require country of origin labeling on beef, pork, and dairy products.
A bill to establish a regulatory system for sustainable offshore aquaculture in the United States exclusive economic zone, and for other purposes.
This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior and the Department of Commerce from authorizing commercial finfish aquaculture operations in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, except in accordance with a law enacted after enactment of this bill.
The Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act would create a dedicated Animal Cruelty Crimes Section at the Department of Justice to help bring those who abuse animals to justice and includes reporting measures to track our progress.
This bill would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture to create a program to provide transparency, legitimacy and informal endorsement of third-party verifiers and technical service providers that help private landowners generate carbon credits through a variety of agriculture and forestry related practices.
This bill would give USDA and FDA legal oversight of lab-grown meat.
This bill grants authority to FDA to investigate CAFOs that have been implicated in food poisoning outbreaks.
A bill to amend drivers transporting agriculture commodities within a 150 air-mile radius from the source or destination of the agricultural commodities.
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to ensure that consumers can make informed decisions in choosing between meat products such as beef and imitation meat products, and for other purposes.
To provide incentives for agricultural producers to carry out climate stewardship practices, to provide for increased reforestation across the United States, to establish the Coastal and Estuary Resilience Grant Program, and for other purposes.
This bill modifies the Department of State rewards program to authorize rewards to individuals who furnish information that assists in the prevention or identification of crimes related to wildlife trafficking.
Would amend the Animal Welfare Act to restrict the use of exotic and wild animals in traveling performances. This act would prohibit the exhibition of exotic animals in traveling performances unless under specified conditions and restrict and or prohibit the breeding of exotic animals.
To require the Secretary of Transportation to establish a working group to study regulatory and legislative improvements for the livestock, insect, and agricultural commodities transport industries, and for other purposes.
Clarifies oversight and jurisdiction over the regulation, inspection, and labeling of cell-cultured meat and poultry, and for other purposes.
To prohibit certain practices relating to certain commodity promotion programs, to require greater transparency by those programs.
This bill establishes the Horse racing Anti-Doping and Medication Control Authority as an independent, private non-profit corporation with responsibility for developing and administering an anti-doping and medication control program for (1) Thoroughbred, Quarter, and Standardbred horses that participate in horse races; and (2) the personnel engaged in the care, training, or racing of such horses
To amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to clarify provisions enacted by the Captive Wildlife Safety Act, to further the conservation of certain wildlife species.
This bill addresses the practice of soring horses. The soring of horses includes various actions taken on horses’ limbs to produce higher gaits that may cause pain, distress, inflammation, or lameness. Specifically, the bill expands soring regulation and enforcement at horse shows, exhibitions, sales, and auctions, including by establishing a new system for inspecting horses for soring. In addition, the bill increases penalties for violations.
To require the Secretary of Transportation to modify provisions relating to hours of service requirements with respect to transportation of certain live animals, and for other purposes.
This joint resolution declares that the government has a duty to create a Green New Deal with the goals of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions; establishing millions of high-wage jobs and ensuring economic security for all; investing in infrastructure and industry; securing clean air and water, climate and community resiliency, healthy food, access to nature, and a sustainable environment for all; and promoting justice and equality.
This bill aims to promote dairy product innovation, including in specialty cheese, and value-added dairy product development for economic benefit of United States dairy farmers and their communities through providing technical assistance and grants.
An act to amend the Agricultural Act of 2014 to provide support for dairy producers.
To amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to provide an exemption from certain notice requirements and penalties for air emissions from animal waste at farms.
The purpose of this act is to create a “minimum milk price” to help dairy farmers continue operating through times of low milk prices. The bill proposes the “minimum milk price” be set to $23.34 per hundredweight, which would be adjusted for inflation for each half of each calendar year.
States or local government cannot impose standards on agriculture products that are offered in multiple states if the product is produced in another state and the standard adds to the standards already in place
Would delay the electronic logging device mandate for livestock haulers set to go into effect in December until next year.
Would require all seafood sold in the United States to be traceable from ocean to plate to combat seafood fraud and illegal fishing.
Would develop a civil unmanned aircraft policy framework and a pilot program.
Would prevent states from imposing a tax or regulatory burdens on businesses that are not physically present in the state. Prohibited activities include telling an out-of-state business how to make or dispose of its products, as well as imposing on it income tax or sales tax collection burdens.
The Swine Waste Infrastructure and Natural Environment (SWINE) Act would establish a program to certify environmentally sustainable swine water disposal technologies that eliminate animal discharge into surface waters and groundwater through direct dishcarge, seepage or runoff.
Would preserve the authority of state, tribal, and local governments to issue reasonable restrictions on the time, manner, and place of drone operations within 200 feet of the ground or a structure. These could include speed limits, local no-fly zones, temporary restrictions, and prohibitions on reckless or drunk operators, for example. The bill also reaffirms that the federal government will respect private property rights to the airspace in the immediate reaches above a property, including at least the first 200 feet.
Would prohibit mandatory or compulsory checkoff programs.
This bill would establish restrictions and requirements for checkoff programs, which are programs overseen by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote and provide research and information for a particular agricultural commodity without reference to specific producers or brands. The bill prohibits boards established to carry out a checkoff program or a USDA order issued under a checkoff program from entering into a contract or agreement to carry out program activities with a party that engages in activities to influence any government policy or action that relates to agriculture.
This bill is supported by the Humane Society of the United States.
Would prohibit the use of wild and exotic animals in traveling shows in the United States.
Would make it unlawful to administer (including by means of animal feed) a medically important antimicrobial to a food-producing animal for non-routine disease control unless there is a significant risk that a disease or infection present on the premises will be transmitted to the food-producing animal; the administration of the antimicrobial is necessary to prevent or reduce the risk of transmission of the disease or infection; the antimicrobial is administered for the shortest duration possible to prevent or reduce the risk of transmission.
Would amend the Federal Food, Drugs, and Cosmetic Act to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medically important antimicrobials approved for use in the prevention, control, and treatment of animal diseases, in order to minimize the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Would empower the FBI and U.S. Attorneys to prosecute animal abuse cases that cross state lines, affect interstate commerce or occur on federal property.
Would require the Secretary of Agriculture to make publicly available certain regulatory records relating to the administration of the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act.
Would repeal the Waters of the United States rule.
Would terminate the Environmental Protection Agency on 12/31/2018.
Would amend the ICCVAM Authorization Act of 2000 to require reporting of animal use data by species, number, and test type for toxicological testing conducted, supported, or required by, or submitted to, each Federal agency listed. Federal agencies include Department of Agriculture and any other agency that develops, or employs tests or test data using animals, or regulates on the basis of the use of animals in toxicity testing.
Would require FDA to enforce existing food labeling standards and prevent misbranded plant-based imitators from appropriating federally defined terms on their labels.
Related to S 130 DAIRY PRIDE Act (Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday) which seeks to require enforcement against misbranding milk alternatives.
Would reform the process by which Federal agencies analyze and formulate new regulations and guidance documents, to clarify the nature of judicial review of agency interpretations, to ensure complete analysis of potential impacts on small entities of rules, and for other purposes.
Would amend the Animal Welfare Act to restrict the use of exotic and wild animals in traveling performances.
Amends the Agricultural Act of 2014 to require the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to extend: (1) the term and any due date of a marketing assistance loan, and (2) the due date for repayment of farm ownership, operating, or emergency loans. Requires the extensions in cases where a farmer has sold, transferred, or delivered the commodity subject to the loan to a purchaser who has filed for bankruptcy prior to payment. Provides that the extensions shall last until after the bankruptcy case is closed or dismissed. Suspends the accrual of interest on the loans during the extension period.
The FDA must allow, but not require, genetically engineered food to be labeled. This would preempt any state authority over genetically engineered labeling in favor of a voluntary National Genetically Engineered Food Certification Program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
This bill prohibits testing cosmetics on animals.
Would amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to repeal country of origin labeling requirements for beef, pork, and chicken.
This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require an applicant for approval of a new animal drug that is a medically important antimicrobial to demonstrate that there is a reasonable certainty of no harm to human health from antimicrobial resistance attributable to the non-therapeutic use of the drug.
This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Food and Drug Administration to refuse a new animal drug application if the drug is a medically important antimicrobial (used to treat humans) and the applicant fails to demonstrate that the drug meets specified criteria for use in animals.
This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the sale of food that has been genetically engineered or contains genetically engineered ingredients, unless that information is clearly disclosed.
This bill amends the Animal Welfare Act to apply standards for humane treatment to farm animals at federal research or laboratory animal facilities.
Would prohibit a state or local government from imposing a standard or condition on the production or manufacture of agricultural products sold or offered for sale in interstate commerce if: (1) the production or manufacture occurs in another state, and (2) the standard or condition adds to standards or conditions applicable under federal law and the laws of the state or locality in which the production or manufacture occurs.
This bill establishes the Food Safety Administration (FSA) as an independent agency to administer and enforce food safety laws.
Would establish the Food for Peace program in the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to deem misbranded any food intended for human consumption, offered for sale, and otherwise required to bear nutrition labeling, unless its principal display panel bears summary nutrition information reflecting the overall nutritional value of the food or specified ingredients, and does not contain any summary nutritional information in addition to or inconsistent with the information required by such Act.
Prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or any EPA contractor or cooperator, from disclosing the information of any owner, operator, or employee of a livestock operation provided to EPA by a livestock producer or a state agency in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) or any other law, including: (1) names; (2) telephone numbers; (3) e-mail addresses; (4) physical addresses; (5) global positioning system coordinates; or (6) other information regarding the location of the owner, operator, livestock, or employee.
Would reauthorize agricultural programs through 2018.
Would provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2018.
Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to establish a per farm cap of $50,000 on commodity program benefits and $75,000 on marketing loan program benefits.
Requires live poultry dealers, swine contractors, or feed lot operators who purchase, contract, or manufacture animal feed in final formulation bearing or containing a new animal drug with an antimicrobial active ingredient to report annually to the Secretary information about such ingredient by food-producing animal for which the new animal drug is approved and, if applicable, by production class of the animal.
Would amend the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 to make it unlawful for a packer to own, feed or control livestock intended for slaughter.
Would provide for a uniform national standard for the housing and treatment of egg-laying hens.
Amends the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to promulgate regulations providing for the humane treatment, handling, and disposition of non-ambulatory livestock by specified entities, including a requirement that non ambulatory livestock be humanely euthanized.
Amends the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption.
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to deny an application for a new animal drug that is a critical antimicrobial animal drug unless the applicant demonstrates that there is a reasonably certainty of no harm to human health due to the development of antimicrobial resistance attributable to the non therapeutic use of the drug.
Would prohibit a federal agency from purchasing any food product derived from a gestating sow, a calf raised for veal, or an egg-laying hen used or intended for use in food production unless that animal, during the entire period covered by that definition, was provided adequate space to stand up, lie down, turn around freely, and fully extend all limbs.
Would prohibit a person, without the consent of the owner from acquiring control over an animal facility, an animal from an animal facility, or other property from an animal facility, with the intent to deprive the owner of such facility, animal, or property and to disrupt or damage the enterprise conducted at the animal facility; damaging or destroying an animal facility or any animal or property in or on an animal facility.
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