BILL ANALYSIS AB 1437 Page 1 ASSEMBLY THIRD READING AB 1437 (Huffman) As Introduced February 27, 2009 Majority vote AGRICULTURE 8-0 APPROPRIATIONS 10-3 ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Ayes:|Galgiani, Tom Berryhill, |Ayes:|De Leon, Ammiano, Davis, | | |Conway, Fuller, Ma, | |Krekorian, Hall, John A. | | |Mendoza, Yamada, Bonnie | |Perez, Price, Skinner, | | |Lowenthal, | |Solorio, Torlakson | | | | | | |-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------| | | |Nays:|Nielsen, Charles | | | | |Calderon, Harkey | ----------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY : Prohibits selling shelled eggs for human consumption in California produced by egg-laying hens on farms not in compliance with animal care standards. Specifically, this bill : 1)Prohibits shelled eggs from being sold for human consumption in California if the farm or location for production is not in compliance with California animal care standard beginning January 1, 2015. 2)Allows for a fine not to exceed $1,000 or imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed 180 days or by both the fine and imprisonment. EXISTING LAW prevents any person from tethering or confining, for all or a majority of any day, animals, specifically pigs during pregnancy, calves raised for veal, or egg-laying hens, in such a way that prevents the animal from lying and standing, fully extending limbs, and turning around completely. This begins on January 1, 2015. (Health and Safety Code Section 25900 et seq.) FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, negligible costs associated with this bill. COMMENTS : In November 2008, voters passed Proposition 2, which addressed confinement of farm animals. The law requires that certain farm animals, including egg-laying hens, have room to move freely. According to the author, requiring all eggs sold for human AB 1437 Page 2 consumption in California to conform to the animal care standards will protect California's consumer's health and welfare. Reports cited by the author state that egg-laying hens subjected to stress have a greater chance of carrying bacteria or viruses, thus having a greater chance of exposing consumers to food borne bacteria and viruses. Some supporters stated this bill will level the playing field for California egg producers to remain competitive with out-of-state egg producers. California has a history of establishing animal welfare standards for products consumed here. The Legislature passed SB 1520 (Burton), Chapter 904, Statutes of 2004, which banned the sale of foie gras by prohibiting the sale in California of a product if it is the result of force feeding a bird for the purpose of enlarging the bird's liver beyond normal size. Analysis Prepared by : Victor Francovich / AGRI. / (916) 319-2084 FN: 0000710