S.P. 780 - L.D. 2190
Resolve, to Provide for the Implementation of a Maine Meat Inspection Program
Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, a meat inspection program is needed to help Maine producers located in rural areas of the State compete more successfully; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it
Sec. 1. Implementation study authorized. Resolved: That the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources shall develop a plan to implement a Maine meat inspection program that is at least equal to federal standards for meat inspection. The department shall:
1. Survey existing custom slaughterhouses to assess interest in upgrading their facilities to meet retail standards and assist those interested in developing a plan to upgrade their facilities, including cost estimates for the upgrade;
2. Assess the potential market for custom slaughterhouses to sell Maine-inspected meat to determine the level of business likely to be created by upgrading;
3. Draft legislation to establish a Maine meat inspection program that will allow Maine-inspected meat to be sold in commerce;
4. Develop a plan to finance the implementation of a Maine meat inspection program;
5. Assess potential relationships between a state meat inspection program and the federal meat inspection program and make a recommendation as to the optimal relationship between them; and
6. Work with producers, processors and retailers to develop any other actions or recommendations to increase the volume of Maine-produced meat processed in this State and available for retail sale; and be it further
Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources shall report its findings and recommendations, including any legislation necessary to implement those recommendations, to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry by January 3, 2000. The committee may submit legislation relating to a Maine meat inspection program during the Second Regular Session of the 119th Legislature; and be it further
Sec. 3. Appropriation. Resolved: That the following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this resolve.
1999-00
AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND RURAL RESOURCES, DEPARTMENT OF
Division of Quality Assurance and Regulation
All Other $70,000
Appropriates funds on a one-time basis to research the reinstatement of a Maine meat inspection program.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved.
Effective June 11, 1999.
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