summary
Introduced
03/21/2025
03/21/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Article 1 of Chapter 6 of Title 4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to livestock dealers, so as to provide for source verification requirements for large-scale meat producers; to provide for written disclosures; to provide for disclosures and health risk management for older livestock; to provide for avian influenza testing for large-scale poultry producers; to regulate multispecies producers; to provide for enforcement and penalties; to provide for definitions; to provide legislative findings and declarations; to provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Georgia Meat Transparency and Source Verification Act, aims to enhance transparency and public health standards for large-scale meat and poultry producers in Georgia. It requires producers with annual sales over $1 million for meat or $250,000 for poultry to maintain detailed records of livestock origin, management history, and production practices for at least five years. Producers must provide written disclosures at point of sale about livestock transactions, culling processes, production protocols, and the age of animals. For cattle over five years old, producers must label packaging and provide additional testing for specified risk materials related to potential neurological diseases. Large-scale poultry producers must conduct weekly avian influenza testing on at least 3% of their flocks, maintain detailed records, and implement strict biosecurity measures if a positive case is detected. Producers marketing meat under labels like "grassfed," "pasture-raised," or "regeneratively raised" must provide verifiable digital documentation of their sourcing. Violations can result in civil penalties ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 and potential suspension of marketing rights, with the act set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
House Agriculture And Consumer Affairs (09:00:00 4/1/2025 606 CLOB) (on 04/01/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71557 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/236889 |
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