Sec. 3. Commissioner's review and report. The Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources shall review statutory provisions and rules regulating the sale of food, the operation of camping areas and other activities relating to food and lodging offered at fairs and exhibitions in the State. The commissioner shall determine the adequacy of provisions implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources to ensure public health and safety. The commissioner shall amend rules adopted under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 22, section 2153 when changes are needed to ensure public health and safety. The commissioner shall submit legislation, if needed, to authorize additional rulemaking by the department or to enact or amend existing statutory provisions to ensure public health and safety. The commissioner shall report to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry before January 15, 2002 on the commissioner's findings and recommendations.

SUMMARY

This bill exempts food establishments, camping areas and lodging at fairs and agricultural exhibitions from the licensing and regulatory jurisdiction of the Department of Human Services. It requires the Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources to review existing provisions for regulating food, camping and lodging at agricultural fairs and make recommendations to ensure the provisions are adequate to protect public health and safety.