SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

SENATE BILL 37

56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO FOOD; AUTHORIZING THE CREATION OF A STATE MEAT INSPECTION PROGRAM TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND QUALITY OF MEAT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION; PROVIDING PENALTIES.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. A new section of Chapter 25 NMSA 1978 is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] STATE MEAT INSPECTION PROGRAM--RULES--PENALTIES--COOPERATION WITH FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.--

          A. The New Mexico livestock board shall adopt rules necessary to establish a comprehensive state meat inspection program for the inspection, processing and sale of meat and poultry products that meets or exceeds the standards and requirements for a state meat inspection program under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the federal Poultry Products Inspection Act and the federal Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1978, including rules to:

                (1) license facilities engaged in the processing or manufacturing of meat and poultry products;

                (2) deem horse meat slaughtered for human consumption as adulterated;

                (3) establish license requirements and reasonable fees; and

                (4) provide inspection services.

          B. The New Mexico livestock board shall only administer and enforce the program established pursuant to Subsection A of this section if the board receives approval from the federal government for a state meat inspection program.

          C. A person violating a rule adopted by the New Mexico livestock board pursuant to this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction may be sentenced to imprisonment in the county jail for a term not to exceed one year and payment of a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), unless that person acted in good faith.

          D. The New Mexico livestock board shall actively seek and maintain coordination with federal authorities to ensure alignment with and approval of the state meat inspection program."

     SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2024.

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