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Committee passes state chemist bill to codify feed rules and add option for AAFCO pet-food label standard
Summary
Senate Bill 249 would move longstanding administrative rules on animal feed and pet food into statute and add a regulatory-flexibility option that allows the state chemist to apply either the current pet-food label standard or the AAFCO-adopted standard. The committee passed the bill 8–0 with one excused.
Chairwoman Leising introduced Senate Bill 249, requested by the Office of the State Chemist, to transfer existing administrative rules for feed and animal/pet food into Indiana code and to add a limited, substantive change related to pet-food labeling standards.
Kendra Leatherman, director of government relations speaking for the Office of the State Chemist, said most of the bill simply moves current rules into statute consistent with a governor’s executive order to reduce regulatory burden. The only substantive addition allows the state chemist to apply either the existing pet-food label standard or the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) adopted standard so companies may transition as other states update labeling requirements. Leatherman said the change aims to provide flexibility and ease compliance as national labeling standards evolve.
Committee members probed consumer impacts. Senator Thomas asked whether the bill would reduce the cost of routine pet medications; Leatherman answered no — SB249 does not address veterinary drug pricing. Senator Alexander asked whether feed and pet-food operators were generally already in compliance; Leatherman said she did not anticipate added consumer costs and that the change mainly gives industry flexibility during a transition.
Senator Alexander moved approval; the roll call produced eight yays and one excused, and the committee reported SB249 as passed.
Why it matters: SB249 codifies long-standing regulatory practice for feed and pet food and adds a labeling flexibility option tied to AAFCO standards. The change is designed to reduce duplicative administrative rules while allowing Indiana businesses to align with evolving national label standards.
The committee advanced SB249 for further consideration in the legislative process.
