This legislative bill amends the Nebraska Pure Food Act and the Weights and Measures Act to modernize and streamline regulations concerning public health and welfare. A significant change is the adoption of the 2022 Food Code, replacing the outdated 2017 version, along with the introduction of new definitions and requirements for food establishments. The bill also repeals several outdated provisions and sections that are no longer necessary, particularly those related to specific food handling practices. Additionally, it modifies the permit application process for food establishments, increasing initial and annual permit fees, and introducing new categories such as mobile food units and pushcarts. Exemptions for certain entities, including educational institutions and charitable organizations, are clarified to enhance operational flexibility while maintaining public health standards.

In terms of the Weights and Measures Act, the bill establishes new procedures for hearings regarding permit suspensions, allowing permitholders to waive their right to a hearing if they fail to attend without prior notice. It also introduces a mechanism for individuals to request a new hearing within ten days if they can demonstrate a mistake of fact in the director's findings. The bill adopts updated standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, with an effective date of January 1, 2025, and revises the fee structure for commercial weighing and measuring devices, increasing registration and inspection fees while adding an administrative fee for delinquent payments. Furthermore, it requires permitholders to notify the department of any changes in the name or address of the authorized individual for notices and orders, and it removes the previous requirement for permitholders to return permits upon permanently closing an establishment. The bill also repeals numerous sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska and is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval due to an emergency clause.

Statutes affected:
Final Reading: 89-186, 89-187, 89-187.02, 89-187.05
Slip Law: 89-186, 89-187, 89-187.02, 89-187.05