The proposed bill, known as the Freedom to Garden Act, aims to prohibit state agencies and local governments from regulating residential gardens. It establishes a clear definition of terms such as "garden food," "residential garden," and "local government," and asserts the inherent rights of individuals to grow, harvest, and market food from their residential gardens. The bill emphasizes the public policy of encouraging the sustainable use of residential gardens for personal nourishment and well-being.

Additionally, the bill specifies that any regulations that would prevent individuals from establishing or benefiting from their residential gardens, or from marketing the food harvested from them, are void and unenforceable. However, it outlines certain exceptions where regulations may still apply, such as in cases involving public nuisances, safety concerns, or specific agricultural regulations. The bill also amends existing laws to ensure that counties and cities cannot impose restrictions on residential gardening or the marketing of garden food, reinforcing the rights granted under this new chapter.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 7E.4, 364.3
Reprinted: 7E.4, 364.3