HB 609

Enacts GS 106-266.35A, authorizing the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) to issue a raw milk license for a period not to exceed one year and subsequent license renewals for a like term to an eligible party if the six listed conditions are met, including (1) DACS inspects the farm owned or operated by the eligible farmer and determines that the farm is in compliance with the applicable provisions of Article 28C of GS Chapter 106 and all other federal and State requirements applicable to grade "A"" milk with the exception of a requirement for pasteurization; (2) the eligible farmer confirms that all cows used in the production of raw milk sold or used for the production of raw milk products sold pursuant to this statute are free from tuberculosis and brucellosis; (3) the eligible farmer provides DACS the required veterinary reports, testing results showing that the water supply is bacteriologically safe; (4) the eligible farmer agrees to comply with regular sampling and testing requirements of raw milk samples, as described; and (5) the eligible farmer agrees to comply with the specified labeling requirements. Defines seven terms. Makes conforming changes to GS 106-266.35 (sale or dispensing of milk) to account for legalization of raw milk under GS 106-266.35A. Requires the Board of Agriculture to adopt permanent rules and may adopt temporary rules to implement the act. Effective January 1, 2026."