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HB 5900

AN ACT PROHIBITING THE CULTIVATION OF OCTOPUS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION AND THE USE OF OCTOPUS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Menapace and 1 co-sponsor

HB 5900 bans octopus farming for human food and octopus use in entertainment, impacting farmers, aquariums and other venues, suppliers, and retailers.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Environment
#aquaculture
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5900

Summary: HB 5900 – An Act Prohibiting the Cultivation of Octopus for Human Consumption and the Use of Octopus for Entertainment Purposes

Overview

HB 5900 is a proposed bill introduced on January 22, 2025, classified as a bill under the subject of Aquaculture. The bill’s title indicates two main prohibitions: (1) the cultivation of octopus for human consumption, and (2) the use of octopus for entertainment purposes. The measure is currently in the early legislative stage and has been referred to the Joint Committee on Environment.

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a prohibition on growing octopuses for human consumption (i.e., octopus aquaculture).
  • Prohibit the use of octopuses in entertainment settings or activities.
  • The overarching goal appears to be regulation of octopus use in production and entertainment, likely for ethical, environmental, or animal-welfare reasons (as inferred from the bill’s scope and committee referral to Environment).

Key Provisions (as implied by the bill’s title; exact text not provided)

  • Prohibition on octopus cultivation for consumption:
    • Bans farming or raising octopuses for food products.
  • Prohibition on octopus use for entertainment:
    • Bans employing octopuses in performances, exhibits, shows, or other entertainment activities.
  • Definitions (not provided in the summary but typically required for enforceability):
    • The bill would need precise definitions of “octopus,” “cultivation,” and “entertainment purposes.”
  • Enforcement and penalties (not specified here):
    • Possible penalties, fines, or permits/licensing requirements would be determined in the bill text.
  • Exemptions and exceptions (not specified here):
    • Potential exemptions (e.g., research, rehabilitation, educational institutions) would need to be stated in the text.

Affected Parties

  • Potentially affected:
    • Octopus aquaculture operators and suppliers.
    • Businesses and venues that use octopuses for entertainment (e.g., aquariums, performances, demonstrations).
    • Retailers and distributors of octopus products.
    • Researchers or institutions conducting octopus-related studies.
  • Consumers who purchase octopus products could be indirectly affected if production is restricted.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Status: Ref. to Joint Committee on Environment.
  • Next steps: Committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes before advancing to a full chamber floor action.
  • Timing depends on legislative calendar and committee activity.

Open Questions to Review in the Full Text

  • How “octopus” and “cultivation” are defined.
  • Whether there are any exemptions (e.g., for research, rescue, or culinary importation/processing).
  • What enforcement mechanisms and penalties would apply.
  • Any phased implementation or compliance timelines.

For a complete understanding, the bill’s full text will be essential to confirm definitions, exceptions, penalties, and implementation steps.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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