Bill > HB1780

This bill increases penalties for repeated violations of laws related to selling seeds, plants, and nursery stock in New Hampshire. Specifically, the bill introduces a new enforcement mechanism for habitual offenders in four different agricultural areas: seed sales, certified plant and seed sales, certified seed potato sales, and nursery stock sales. Under these new provisions, a person who repeatedly violates the law will first be prohibited from selling at a specific location for 6 months, then for one year if they continue to violate the rules, and ultimately be permanently banned from selling at that location. The commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food is given the authority to define what constitutes a "habitual violation" through administrative rules. Additionally, the bill maintains existing misdemeanor penalties and the commissioner's ability to prohibit individuals from marketing certain agricultural products for 2-4 years after multiple convictions. The new regulations will take effect on January 1, 2027, giving businesses and regulators time to prepare for the changes.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1950&inflect=2