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 outlines specific exceptions where regulations may still apply, such as when the property is owned by a state agency or local government, or when the gardening practices pose a public nuisance or health risk. It also prohibits regulations that would prevent individuals from marketing food harvested from their residential gardens. Amendments to existing laws ensure that counties and cities cannot adopt regulations that conflict with the provisions of this new chapter, reinforcing the rights of individuals to maintain and benefit from their residential gardens.

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