_____________ joint resolution NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study OF FOOD, food processing, AND FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS.

WHEREAS, the state of Montana and the federal government share food, food processing, and food safety duties between various agencies, such as between the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States Food and Drug Administration, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, the Montana Meat and Poultry Inspection Bureau, and the Montana Department of Livestock; and

WHEREAS, American farmers and ranchers are concerned that food, food processing, and food safety regulations must also keep pace with changes in food production, processing, and marketing, production advances, distribution methods, and the growing volume of imports.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to review food, food processing, and food safety regulations and oversight.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the designated committee examine the regulatory framework for food, food processing, and food safety within the various state and local government agencies, including rules and regulations for:

(1) food labeling and adulterated and misbranded food under the Montana Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in Title 50, chapter 31;

(2) retail food establishments, temporary food establishments, farmer's markets, and other entities under Title 50, chapter 50, and Title 50, chapter 51;

(3) wholesale food establishments under Title 50, chapter 57; and

(4) any other food rules and regulations enforced by state and local governments.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the designated committee examine the regulatory framework for food, food processing, and food safety within the Department of Livestock, including rules and regulations for:

(1) licensing of meatpackers;

(2) meat inspections; and

(3) other agency duties, including handling slaughter data, food safety assessments, product labelling, and meat retailer compliance.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study consider:

(1) relevant, applicable federal laws, such as the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, Meat Inspection Act, Poultry Products Inspection Act, and Humane Methods of Slaughter Act;

(2) reports and analyses related to state and federal regulatory procedures;

(3) input from retail food establishments, meatpackers, consumers, meat inspectors, public health officials, food producers, and others affected by food and food safety; and

(4) any other relevant information.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the designated committee assess the financial and administrative efficiencies of moving food, food processing, and food safety oversight from the Department of Public Health and Human Services, the Department of Livestock, and other agencies to the Department of Agriculture.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2022.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 68th Legislature.