MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2003 Regular Session

To: Agriculture

By: Senator(s) Williamson, Dawkins, Jackson

Senate Bill 2768

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT STATE REGULATIONS GOVERNING FREE-RANGE POULTRY SHALL BE NO MORE STRINGENT THAN FEDERAL REGULATIONS ON FREE-RANGE CHICKENS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  Any regulations or best management practices adopted by the Commissioner of Agriculture regulating free-range poultry only shall be no more stringent or extensive in scope, coverage, or effect than federal regulations and best management practices.  For purposes of this section, "free-range poultry" means poultry having free access to the outdoors through their normal growing cycle.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2003.