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Committee hears bill to phase out battery cages for egg‑laying hens, with producers raising cost and supply concerns
Summary
Sponsor proposed a phased ban on confining egg‑laying hens in battery cages, applying only to farms with 5,000 or more layers and with a long transition; animal‑welfare groups supported the change while producers and farm organizations warned of higher prices and constrained supply, citing avian influenza and market impacts.
Delegate Jen Terrasa reintroduced a bill (HB 8 34) to phase out so‑called battery cages for egg‑laying hens and require cage‑free housing on large farms, drawing extensive testimony Tuesday.
The proposal would prohibit conventional caged systems for egg layers at operations that house at least 5,000 hens, allow a multi‑year phase‑in and specify minimum indoor space per bird in cage‑free systems. Sponsor Terrasa and animal‑welfare and food‑safety witnesses said cages deprive hens of natural behaviours, raise welfare concerns such as osteoporosis and feather loss, and that cage systems can elevate salmonella risk. “This is the bare minimum we should offer these little dinosaurs,” said sanctuary operator Michelle Waldman, describing hens’ natural behaviours.
Supporters pointed to private and corporate commitments to cage‑free sourcing and to other states that have adopted similar rules. The sponsor said she would consider extending the implementation date to 2033 to give producers more time; attendees noted the industry is still contending with the recent highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak, which has reduced supplies and raised prices.
Opponents — including Delmarva and poultry‑industry representatives, Farm Bureau and county agricultural groups — warned the bill would increase production costs, further strain a constrained non‑lead and cage‑free supply chain and risk shifting production out of state. Industry witnesses cited studies and experience in other states that they said showed substantial cost increases and said the law would hinder imports needed to meet local demand.
Several committee members asked how small producers and farmers markets would be affected; Terrasa clarified the bill excludes small farms (it applies only to operations with 5,000+ layers). DNR and industry witnesses discussed biosecurity and implementation, and supporters pointed to a consumer poll showing public support for phasing out battery cages even if costs rose modestly.
Ending: The bill sets up a policy choice between placing a state‑level mandate on animal‑welfare standards for large producers and allowing market forces and corporate procurement commitments to drive change. Committee members asked for further fiscal and market analysis before a decision.
