2022-04-07                     House Journal                      Page 2409
HB 415                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 415 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                                                   
the Governor, entitled:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                

2022-04-07                     House Journal                      Page 2410
    "An Act relating to exemptions for the purchase and sale of                                                                 
    certain food products for home consumption under the Alaska                                                                 
    Food Freedom Act."                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance                                                               
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
1.  Zero, Dept. of Environmental Conservation                                                                                   
2.  Indeterminate, Dept. of Natural Resources                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The Governor's transmittal letter dated April 6 follows:                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Speaker Stutes:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska                                                                   
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the Alaska Food                                                              
Freedom Act.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Alaska's food supply is fragile, with over ninety percent of the staples                                                        
Alaskans use to feed their families being imported from out of state.                                                           
The lack of a robust, homegrown food industry that is regionally                                                                
diverse underscores the insecurity local communities and towns face.                                                            
In order to build a strong economy, Alaska needs to develop its                                                                 
resources, including its valuable, Alaska-grown food.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
This bill will allow a producer to sell homemade food products to an                                                            
informed end consumer and to encourage the expansion of homemade                                                                
food sales throughout the State. The legislation would codify existing                                                          
cottage food regulations and raw fruit and vegetable exemptions. The                                                            
bill also allows consumers to purchase meat pursuant to animal share                                                            
agreements directly from ranchers.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
If enacted, the Alaska Food Freedom Act will stimulate growth of                                                                
cottage industries, promote food security for all Alaskans, and allow                                                           
development of a true "farm to table" marketplace. The passage of this                                                          
important measure will put food on the tables of Alaskans when they                                                             
need it most.                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                

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I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor"