Bill
HD 1402
Summary of HD 1402: An Act relative to cider Purpose and IntentHD 1402, titled "An Act relative to cider", is a proposed bill that aims to update the legal definition and regulatio
HD 1402, titled "An Act relative to cider", is a proposed bill that aims to update the legal definition and regulation of cider in the state. The main purpose of the bill is to broaden the allowed alcohol content range for cider and align state laws with evolving industry standards and consumer preferences.
The key changes proposed in HD 1402 include:
Expanding the alcohol content range for cider: The bill would increase the maximum allowable alcohol content for cider from 6.9% to 8.5% by volume. This change is intended to provide cider producers more flexibility to create a wider variety of cider styles.
Aligning with federal cider standards: The bill would harmonize the state's cider definition and regulations with the federal standards established by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). This would simplify compliance for cider producers operating across state lines.
Removing specific apple juice content requirement: The current state law mandates that cider must contain at least 50% apple juice. HD 1402 would remove this specific percentage requirement, allowing more diverse fruit content in cider production.
The primary stakeholders that would be impacted by this legislation include:
Cider producers and cideries: The expanded alcohol content range and alignment with federal standards would provide cider makers more flexibility and simplify their operations.
Cider consumers: Consumers would gain access to a wider variety of cider styles and alcohol contents that better match evolving market preferences.
Alcohol regulators and enforcement agencies: The state's alcohol control agencies would need to update their regulations and processes to align with the new cider definitions and standards if the bill is enacted.
HD 1402 was introduced in the state legislature on November 29, 2025 and has been referred to the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure for initial review. The committee will hold a public hearing and debate the bill before deciding whether to advance it for further consideration by the full state House of Representatives. If passed by the House, the bill would then move to the state Senate for additional review and voting. The entire legislative process could take several months to a year or more before the bill is either enacted into law or fails to progress.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
