This bill permits the sale of uninspected rabbit meat within New Hampshire, expanding the existing regulations on poultry sales. Specifically, it amends the subdivision heading preceding RSA 143-A:14 to include "Sale of Uninspected Rabbits at New Hampshire Farms, Farmstands, and Farmers Markets." Additionally, it introduces new provisions under RSA 143-A:16, allowing unlicensed rabbit producers to sell up to 1,000 uninspected, processed whole rabbits at their own farms, farmstands, or farmers markets, provided they meet certain conditions, such as being current with educational requirements and registering with the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food.

The bill also stipulates that these rabbits must be raised, slaughtered, processed, packaged, and sold within New Hampshire, and it requires producers to fulfill educational requirements established by the Department of Health and Human Services. Furthermore, the Department retains the authority to inspect these products if there is a suspicion of an imminent health hazard. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of July 29, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 143-A:5, 427:2-a
As Amended by the House: 143-A:16
Version adopted by both bodies: 143-A:16
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 143-A:16
HB779 text: 143-A:5, 427:2-a