Bill > SB1265

This bill creates a comprehensive Tennessee Meat Inspection Act designed to establish a state-level meat inspection program that is federally recognized. The legislation defines numerous terms related to meat production, establishes licensing requirements for meat processing establishments and custom operations, and adopts key provisions of federal meat inspection laws. Facilities that slaughter livestock or process meat for intrastate commerce must obtain an annual license from the state's agriculture commissioner, submit to facility inspections, and comply with sanitation and labeling standards. The bill gives the commissioner broad powers to regulate meat processing, including the ability to issue licenses, conduct inspections, embargo potentially unsafe products, and enforce regulations. Custom operations (facilities that process animals for a specific owner's personal use) will have more limited oversight but must still maintain sanitary conditions and properly label their products. The act explicitly does not apply to poultry, which remains under federal jurisdiction, and sets clear penalties for violations, ranging from warning notices to potential misdemeanor charges. The bill's implementation is contingent upon receiving federal approval for Tennessee's meat inspection program, with administrative preparations beginning immediately and full implementation occurring 30 days after federal confirmation of meeting cooperative agreement requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1265&ga=114