REGULATE SALE OF MAPLE SYRUP H.B. 4334 (H-1): FLOOR ANALYSIS
House Bill 4334 (Substitute H-1 as reported without amendment) Sponsor: Representative Gary L. Randall
House Committee: Agriculture and Forestry Senate Committee: Agriculture and Forestry
The would create a new act to prohibit a person from selling, or offering or displaying for sale, or possessing with intent to sell maple syrup in retail packages unless the syrup conformed to the
U.S. standards for table maple syrup prescribed in Federal rules.
The Department of Agriculture could provide for the issuance of a seal of quality or other described logo for maple syrup meeting or exceeding the standards imposed by the bill. If the Department provided for the issuance of a seal or logo, use of either a seal or logo in a manner inconsistent with the use prescribed by the Department would be considered a violation of the bill.
The Department would be required to enforce the bill in the same manner as the Michigan Food Law. A person who violated the bill would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to 90 days and/or a fine of up to $100. In addition to the penalties provided for in the bill, the bill specifies that the Department could apply to circuit court for injunctive relief restraining any person from violating the bill, irrespective of whether an adequate remedy at law existed.
Legislative Analyst: L. Arasim
There would be minimal costs to the Department of Agriculture to enforce the act.
Date Completed: 5-20-96 Fiscal Analyst: A. Rich
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.