HB1315 Summary

• Creates a State Meat Inspection Program within the Department of Agriculture to perform inspections of livestock slaughter and meat processing for intrastate commerce, with at least 8 designated inspectors.

• Transfers authority over meat inspection from the Department of Health to the Department of Agriculture and establishes the State Meat Inspection Program Fund, funded by inspection fees, federal grants, gifts, and other designated revenues.

• Amends the Arkansas Meat and Meat Products Inspection Act to clarify definitions, inspection procedures, labeling requirements, and prohibited acts related to meat and meat food products intended for human consumption.

• Sets overtime and holiday inspection rates at $25/hour (Monday-Friday over 40 hours), $30/hour (Saturday-Sunday), and $35/hour (legal holidays), to be paid by official establishments requesting such services.

• Declares an emergency effective upon Governor approval due to hardship faced by farmers and ranchers in obtaining federal meat inspections and consumer difficulty accessing meat products, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.