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Committee unanimously backs bill letting homeowners sell cut flowers under local licensing
Summary
HB 483 clarifies that people legally allowed to grow flowers on their property can sell them under reasonable local licensing rules; the committee gave the bill a unanimous favorable recommendation after industry and agriculture representatives voiced support.
Representative Owens told the committee HB 483 removes a regulatory conflict that prevents residents who lawfully grow flowers from selling them at their property under reasonable local licensing rules.
"If a homeowner has the legal right to grow flowers on their property, they should also have the right to sell those same flowers," Terry Camp of the Utah Farm Bureau Federation said in testimony.
Amber Brown, deputy commissioner for the Department of Agriculture and Food, said the department supports the bill and noted that cut flowers are a fast-growing segment of Utah agriculture.
The committee heard support from backyard growers and the Utah Cut Flower Farm Association, which told members the bill reduces barriers for small and micro businesses and increases consumer access. Representative Arthur moved and the committee favorably recommended HB 483 by voice vote; the motion passed unanimously.
Next steps: The bill moves forward with a favorable committee recommendation.
