This bill aims to regulate the ownership interests of dominant retailers in the livestock and meat packing industries in Minnesota. It introduces a new definition for "dominant retailer," which includes entities primarily engaged in retail meat sales with annual sales exceeding $18 billion and a presence in at least 20 states, including Minnesota. The bill prohibits these dominant retailers from owning or acquiring any ownership interest in livestock dealers or meat packing companies, as well as from entering into exclusive contracts that require these companies to sell their products solely to the dominant retailer.

Additionally, the bill mandates that by October 1, 2026, all dominant retailers must certify their compliance with these ownership and contract restrictions. If a retailer is not in compliance, they may request a 180-day extension by submitting a divestiture plan to the commissioner. The attorney general is tasked with accepting public comments regarding violations and can enforce the provisions of this bill, with penalties of up to $25,000 per day for non-compliance. The enforcement provisions will take effect on August 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 17A.03