Bill Summary: HB 5398

• Prohibits farm owners and operators from confining egg-laying hens in enclosures that are not cage-free housing systems or that lack minimum usable floor space as defined by the 2017 United Egg Producers' Animal Husbandry Guidelines, effective June 1, 2025.

• Prohibits Connecticut businesses from knowingly selling or transporting shell eggs or egg products produced in violation of these cage-free housing standards, effective June 1, 2025.

• Exempts medical research, veterinary procedures, transportation, state/county fairs, 4-H programs, slaughter operations, and temporary confinement for up to 6 hours per day (maximum 24 hours per 30 days) for animal husbandry purposes from the cage-free requirements.

• Exempts farm owners and operators with fewer than 3,000 egg-laying hens from the cage-free housing requirements if all shell eggs sold or transported are derived from that smaller flock.

• Stated purpose is to promote food safety, protect public health, and advance animal welfare.