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Panel approves bill to recognize hard-cider manufacturers in code
Summary
The committee approved legislation to create a distinct manufacturing permit for hard-cider producers so they are classified in state code alongside breweries and wineries, sponsor said the change "does not provide them any new capacity or capabilities."
Lawmakers approved Senate Bill 348 to add hard cider to the state code's manufacturing categories, a change supporters said clarifies the regulatory framework without expanding producers' existing rights. The sponsor told the committee this "just adds hard cider into those same capabilities" as breweries and wineries so a cider maker's retail, distribution and penalty rules are explicit in statute.
The presenter emphasized the change "does not provide them any new capacity or capabilities that they don't already have access to," and that the measure primarily removes ambiguity about how hard-cider producers are treated under licensing and distribution rules. Committee members asked how hard cider differs from other alcoholic beverages; reply: "It's actually made from apples."
With no public opposition recorded in the transcript, the committee moved and passed the bill by voice vote.
