PRIME Act

Hozzl · 2024-03-06T08:15:25Z

Explore the details of House Bill 2814 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.

3/6/2024, 8:15 AM

Summary of Bill HR 2814

The PRIME Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 2814, 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 they have raised and had slaughtered at a custom facility, without having to go through the traditional USDA inspection process.

Supporters of the PRIME Act argue that it would give small-scale farmers and ranchers more flexibility and control over their businesses, as well as provide consumers with access to locally-raised, high-quality meat. They also believe that it would help to support rural economies and promote sustainable agriculture practices.

Opponents of the bill, however, have raised concerns about food safety and the potential for increased risk of foodborne illnesses if meat is not subject to USDA inspection. They argue that the current inspection process is in place to protect consumers and ensure that meat is safe to eat. 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 2814

Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption Act or the PRIME Act

This bill exempts from federal inspection requirements animals and meats that are slaughtered and prepared at custom animal slaughter facilities for distribution within the state. Under current law, a custom slaughter exemption applies if the meat is slaughtered exclusively for personal, household, guest, or employee uses.

Specifically, the bill expands the federal inspection exemption to include the slaughter of animals or the preparation of carcasses, meat, and meat food products that are

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, 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 2814

Bill HR 2814 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 25, 2023. Bill HR 2814 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on April 25, 2023. Bill HR 2814's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry. as of May 15, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2814

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

106

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2814

Primary Policy Focus

Agriculture and Food

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2814

PRIME Act

Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption 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.