PRIME Act

Hozzl · 2022-12-30T17:47:44Z

Explore the details of House Bill 3835 PRIME Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Agriculture and Food. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/30/2022, 5:47 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3835

The PRIME Act, also known as Bill 117 HR 3835, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act to allow for the sale of custom-slaughtered meat within states. This means that farmers and ranchers would be able to sell meat from animals that have been slaughtered and processed at a custom facility, rather than a USDA-inspected facility, as long as the meat is only sold within the state where it was produced.

Supporters of the PRIME Act argue that it would give small-scale farmers and ranchers more flexibility and control over their operations, as well as provide consumers with access to locally-produced, high-quality meat. They also believe that it would help to support and promote local food systems and small businesses.

Opponents of the bill, however, have raised concerns about food safety and the potential for increased risk of foodborne illnesses if meat is not inspected by the USDA. They argue that the current regulations are in place to protect consumers and ensure the safety of the food supply. Overall, the PRIME Act is a controversial piece of legislation that has sparked debate among lawmakers, farmers, and consumers. It remains to be seen whether or not it will be passed into law.

Congressional Summary of HR 3835

Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption Act or the PRIME Act

This bill expands the exemption of custom slaughtering of animals from federal inspection requirements.

Under current law, the exemption applies if the meat is slaughtered for personal, household, guest, and employee uses. The bill expands the exemption to include meat that is

slaughtered and prepared at a custom slaughter facility in accordance with the laws of the state where the facility is located; and
prepared exclusively for distribution to household consumers in the state or restaurants, hotels, boarding houses, grocery stores, or other establishments in the state that either prepare meals served directly to consumers or offer meat and food products for sale directly to consumers in the state.

The bill does not preempt any state law concerning (1) the slaughter of animals or the preparation of carcasses, parts thereof, meat and meat food products at a custom slaughter facility; or (2) the sale of meat or meat food products.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 3835

Bill HR 3835 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 11, 2021. Bill HR 3835 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on June 11, 2021. Bill HR 3835's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture. as of July 15, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3835

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3835

Primary Policy Focus

Agriculture and Food

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3835

PRIME Act

To amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act to exempt from inspection the slaughter of animals and the preparation of carcasses conducted at a custom slaughter facility, and for other purposes.

PRIME Act

Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption Act