This legislative bill amends the Nebraska Pure Food Act and the Weights and Measures Act to modernize and align provisions related to public health and welfare. A significant change is the adoption of the 2022 Food Code, which replaces the outdated 2017 version, along with refined definitions for "food establishment" that now exclude certain operations. The criteria for single event food vendors have also been updated, allowing a maximum operation period of four days instead of two. The bill introduces new permit fees for various food establishment types, clarifies permit application requirements, and emphasizes compliance with food safety standards, including the responsibilities of permitholders to post permits and notify authorities of ownership or location changes.

In addition to food safety regulations, the bill amends the Weights and Measures Act by adopting updated standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, with a reference date set to January 1, 2025. It modifies fees for the registration and inspection of commercial weighing and measuring devices, introduces an administrative fee for delinquent payments, and clarifies the process for hearings related to permits. The bill also establishes that permits will automatically lapse upon changes in ownership or business details, requires written notification to the department for such changes, and repeals several outdated sections of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska. The bill is intended to enhance regulatory oversight and ensure fair practices in the measurement and sale of commodities, taking 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