HB 499 (2016): permitting New Hampshire farmers to sell farm-raised bison directly to the public.

HB 499 (2016)

permitting New Hampshire farmers to sell farm-raised bison directly to the public.

• Status: Signed into law
• Term: 2015-2016
• House committee: Environment and Agriculture
• Senate committee: Energy and Natural Resources
• Subject: Agriculture
• Chapter law: 36

The Story

It was introduced on January 8, 2015 and referred to the House Environment and Agriculture committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 13, 2015. The committee met in executive session on March 3, 2015 to vote on its recommendation. The committee retained the bill, holding it for further work rather than reporting it out this year. The committee held work sessions on April 21, 2015, May 5, 2015, May 19, 2015, June 2, 2015, June 30, 2015 and September 29, 2015. The committee met in executive session on October 13, 2015 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted 15–2 to recommend that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2015-2473h), and the report was placed on the regular calendar. The committee's amendment (2015-2473h) was adopted on a voice vote on January 7, 2016, changing the text of the bill. On January 7, 2016 the House voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote. It crossed to the Senate on February 18, 2016 and was referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 9, 2016. The committee recommended that the Senate pass it with changes (amendment 2016-0963s). The committee's amendment (0963s) was adopted on a voice vote on March 17, 2016, changing the text of the bill. On March 17, 2016 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. On April 6, 2016 the House adopted “House Concurs with Senate Amendment 0963s” on a voice vote, on a motion by Rep. Haefner. The bill was enrolled on April 21, 2016 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor signed it on May 3, 2016, making it Chapter 36 of the session laws.

Sponsors

• Rep. Gene Chandler (R - Carr 1) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. John Burt (R - Hills 39)
• Rep. Laurence Rappaport (R - Coos 1)
• Rep. Shari LeBreche (R - Belk 6)
• Sen. Jeanie Forrester (R - SD2)
• Sen. Jeb Bradley (R - SD3)
• Sen. Lou D'Allesandro (D - SD20)
• Sen. Kevin Avard (R - SD12)

Hearings and Sessions

• February 13, 2015, 10:30 AM: public hearing, House Environment and Agriculture, LOB 303
• March 3, 2015, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Environment and Agriculture, LOB 303
• April 21, 2015, 10:00 AM: subcommittee work session, House Environment and Agriculture, LOB 303
• May 5, 2015, 10:00 AM: subcommittee work session, House Environment and Agriculture, LOB 303
• May 19, 2015, 10:00 AM: subcommittee work session, House Environment and Agriculture, LOB 303
• June 2, 2015, 10:00 AM: subcommittee work session, House Environment and Agriculture, LOB 303
• June 30, 2015, 10:00 AM: subcommittee work session, House Environment and Agriculture, LOB 303
• September 29, 2015, 2:00 PM: subcommittee work session, House Environment and Agriculture, LOB 303
• October 13, 2015, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Environment and Agriculture, LOB 303
• March 9, 2016, 9:00 AM: hearing, Senate Energy and Natural Resources, SH 100

Votes

• January 7, 2016, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2473h — voice vote, passed
• March 17, 2016, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment 0963s — voice vote, passed
• April 6, 2016, House: House Concurs with Senate Amendment 0963s — voice vote, passed

The Docket

Laws It Would Change

• RSA 143-A:5
• RSA 427:16
• RSA 143-A

Related Bills

• HB 119-FN (2023): relative to homestead food operation licensure and making provisions for the sale of meat from uninspected bison, elk, or red deer.

From the General Court

• Bill text
• Bill status page
• Docket
• HC 67
• SC 9
• SC 10