HB 2298 Summary

• Establishes a phased timeline requiring coffee products using geographic origin names (such as "Kona," "Kau," or "Kauai") to contain increasing minimum percentages of coffee from that origin: 25% (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025), 50% (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026), 75% (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027), and 100% (July 1, 2027 onward).

• Changes current law that allows coffee blends with only 10% coffee from a specified geographic origin to use that origin's name on packaging.

• Exempts retailers that do not package coffee products from liability for violations of coffee labeling laws by packagers and manufacturers.

• Requires packagers, roasters, and manufacturers to maintain records for two years documenting the volume and geographic origin of coffees purchased and used.

• Takes effect July 1, 3000 (note: effective date appears to contain a typographical error).