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Bill > S920
NJ S920
NJ S920Permits sale of raw milk under certain conditions and establishes raw milk permit program.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would permit the sale of raw milk by a person holding a valid raw milk permit. The bill would also require the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Health, to establish a raw milk permit program. The bill authorizes permit holders to sell, offer for sale or otherwise make available raw milk at the farm or property where the raw milk is produced. The bill also establishes standards for the quality of the raw milk that is produced by a permit holder. To protect the public health, the bill establishes certain prerequisites that must be met before a raw milk permit may be granted, including: (1) a signed affidavit by the permit applicant certifying that no growth hormones will be used in the process of producing raw milk; (2) conspicuous warning requirements stating that raw milk does not provide the protection of pasteurization, including specific labeling on dispensing containers and sold containers and specific signage; (3) submission to certain inspections by the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Health; and (4) compliance with all applicable provisions of New Jersey's dairy laws, rules and regulations. The permit program would be funded by a permit fee estimated by the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Health, to cover the costs of administering the program. The Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Health, would be required to conduct initial testing of the cows intended to be used for the production of raw milk, with ongoing testing as necessary. The permit holder is also required to conduct tests, at the permit holder's expense, to measure the levels of certain bacteria and pathogens in the raw milk produced. Failing test results are required to be reported to the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health. If the permit holder fails to meet certain standards, by failing two consecutive tests in a one year period, then the raw milk permit would be revoked.
AI Summary
This bill allows for the sale of raw milk, which is milk that has not been pasteurized, under specific conditions and establishes a permit program for its sale. The Department of Agriculture, working with the Department of Health, will create this permit program, which will allow permit holders to sell raw milk directly from the farm where it is produced. To obtain a permit, applicants must agree not to use growth hormones, prominently display warnings that raw milk is not pasteurized and may contain harmful organisms, allow for inspections by the departments, and comply with existing dairy laws. The program will be funded by a permit fee designed to cover administrative costs, and both the state and permit holders will be responsible for regular testing of cows and the raw milk itself for bacteria and pathogens. Failing to meet certain testing standards will lead to temporary suspension of sales, and repeated failures within a year will result in the revocation of the permit. The bill also defines "raw milk," "applicant," and "permit holder" for the purposes of this program.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S920 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/920_I1.HTM |
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