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Committee retains bill on in‑state meat sales and plans joint resolution urging federal change
Summary
Lawmakers debated HB 396 about exempting certain in‑state slaughter and meat sales from federal inspection. Members decided to retain the bill while pursuing a joint House–Senate resolution to press Congress/USDA for more flexible rules.
Representative Comtois and others discussed HB 396, a proposal that would exempt certain meat and meat products slaughtered and prepared in the state for in‑state sale from some federal inspection requirements.
Testimony made clear that current federal law constrains state options. Commissioner Sean Jasper and other witnesses explained federal requirements that govern amenable species (those under USDA jurisdiction) and non‑amenable species, and described the practical limits faced by small producers who lack access to USDA‑inspected slaughter facilities. Witnesses described pathways some producers use today: slaughter under USDA inspection or use of state‑licensed facilities that receive USDA‑inspected product and then perform further cutting and direct retail sales.
Members acknowledged the federal constraints and the pending national policy debate (including efforts related to the "PRIME Act" at the federal level). The committee agreed to retain HB 396 rather than recommend it inexpedient to legislate (ITL). Legislators discussed drafting a joint legislative resolution to urge Congress and USDA to adopt changes that would make smaller, regional, or mobile inspection and slaughter options more practicable for New Hampshire producers.
Representative Comteuil and members said DHHS and the Department of Agriculture should update public guidance so farmers understand existing exemptions and pathways that may allow on‑farm processing or state‑licensed processing with USDA‑slaughtered carcasses. Committee members asked staff to prepare a draft joint resolution and explore outreach to the state's federal delegation. The committee left the bill retained pending further drafting and federal advocacy.
