HB 202-SALES OF FOOD BY PRODUCERS TO CONSUMERS  3:24:24 PM CHAIR OLSON announced that the next order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 202, "An Act relating to the sale of food products by the producer to the consumer." 3:24:46 PM REPRESENTATIVE TAMMIE WILSON, Alaska State Legislature, explained that HB 202 has been substantially changed and disallows any food product that has an animal origins - raw or heat-treated products - which will eliminate meats, seafood, and dairy products. She pointed out that she went one step further to disallow food products that require time or temperature controls to keep foods safe for human consumption from being sold by a producer [in a proposed committee substitute not taken up]. She highlighted that the focus was narrowed to address samples and food products and listing food products that could be sold. She recapped that she would like the proposed DEC regulations out prior to the farmers' markets begin this season. She referred to research in members' packets that indicates some markets start in April. She hoped the department would respond with dates for the adoption of the proposed regulations. 3:25:53 PM KRISTIN RYAN, Director, Division of Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reported that the amendments to the Alaska food code under 18 AAC 31 are currently at Department of Law (DOL) for a final review with the regulations attorney, Steve Weaver. She has held some conversations with the DOL so she is aware the department is current working to review the proposed regulations. CHAIR OLSON asked for an estimate of when the regulations will be completed. MS. RYAN explained the schedule, such that the DOL will complete its review this week, the regulations will be returned briefly to the DEC's Commissioner, before being submitted to the Lieutenant Governor's office, and the regulations will be finalized 30 days after filing.. She pointed out that during that time the DEC will have time to work with the U.S. Cooperative Extension Service (CES) offices to develop brochures to prepare people for changes that will affect sellers. 3:28:15 PM REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON related that she would like to hold the bill to allow her time to contact farmers' market sellers during the legislative interim. She explained that she hopes people will have time to utilize the new DEC regulations. She inquired as to whether people will be subject to fines as these new, but more friendly regulations go into effect. She asked for the process the DEC will use to educate people. 3:28:43 PM MS. RYAN reiterated that the department is already working with the CES and the University of Alaska Fairbanks to develop pamphlets and brochures to explain rules for the cottage food industry, including what can be sold, the location of test kitchens, and any items that need permitting. She characterized the CES as an outreach arm of food preparedness. She advised that as soon as the regulations are signed by the Lieutenant Governor the DEC will be able to publicize them. 3:29:46 PM CHAIR OLSON remarked that the sponsor is smiling. [HB 202 was held over.]