HB2403 Summary

• Creates the "Home Bakery Act of 2012" requiring a license from the State Department of Health to operate a home food establishment that produces prepared food for off-premises sale.

• Defines a home food establishment as a residence-based business with gross annual sales under $20,000 producing baked goods (breads, cakes, biscuits, pies), excluding religious and charitable organizations.

• State Department of Health authorized to issue up to 1,000 licenses annually at $75 per license, valid for 2 years and renewable; department must conduct periodic inspections of food preparation areas.

• Violations punishable by fines up to $1,000 for first offense and up to $2,000 for subsequent offenses; Department authorized to promulgate necessary implementing rules.

• Effective date: November 1, 2012.