Bill > SB161

This bill provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for aquaculture in Montana by adding definitions and provisions related to aquaculture products across several existing state statutes. The bill defines aquaculture as the commercial production of aquatic organisms under controlled conditions, and aquaculture products as articles used for human consumption, including fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants. The legislation introduces aquaculture products into existing definitions and exemption lists for commodity sales, homemade food regulations, and produce dealer guidelines. Key changes include allowing aquaculture products to be sold by count or weight, exempting them from certain licensing and inspection requirements for homemade foods, and incorporating them into the definition of raw agricultural commodities. The bill also specifies what constitutes "controlled conditions" for aquaculture, explaining that this means managing water quality, feed, stocking density, and environmental parameters within an aquatic system, while explicitly stating that natural water bodies like ponds, lakes, and rivers do not qualify. The bill becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval, signaling the state's intent to provide a clear regulatory structure for the emerging aquaculture industry.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1006