Bill > H4194

This bill amends a previous law (chapter 333 of the acts of 2016) to expand the coverage of egg products, limit the duration of confinement for egg-laying hens, and clarify definitions and enforcement provisions. The key changes include: 1) extending the law to cover "other egg products" beyond just shell eggs; 2) limiting confinement of egg-laying hens to no more than 24 hours in any 30-day period; 3) providing detailed definitions of housing systems, covered animals, and other terms; 4) assigning enforcement authority to the Department of Agricultural Resources and allowing the Attorney General to seek civil fines and injunctive relief; and 5) establishing an emergency preamble and effective dates for the various provisions. The overall purpose is to further regulate hen welfare and establish uniform cage-free standards in the state.

House Committee on Ways and Means (H)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4194