Bill
SF 84
Wyoming allows optional country-of-origin labels for beef, but only beef born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the U.S. or cattle born and raised in Wyoming may bear U.S. or
Purpose
- Authorizes (permits) — rather than requires — explicit country- and state-of-origin labeling for beef sold in Wyoming, and sets statutory limits on when beef may be labeled as a product of the United States or of Wyoming.
- Clarifies definitions related to meat and beef for Wyoming’s fair packaging and labeling statutes (W.S. 35-7-111 and 35-7-119).
Key provisions
- United States origin labeling:
- Only beef derived from cattle that were born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States may be labeled as “a product of the United States of America.” Beef of undeterminable origin or beef not meeting those four factors may not be so labeled.
- Wyoming origin labeling:
- Only beef derived from cattle born and raised in the state of Wyoming may be labeled as a product of Wyoming. (The statute does not require slaughter or processing to occur in Wyoming for the Wyoming label.)
- Labeling is authorized (optional) — sellers may use these labels only when the statutory origin conditions are met.
- Conforming and definitional changes:
- Adds/clarifies statutory definitions of “meat,” “beef” (meat from cattle, including veal), “retailer,” and “wholesaler” in the fair packaging/labeling provisions.
- Amends the list of prohibited labeling acts so that terms implying species or meat must be consistent with statutory definitions.
Who is affected
- Beef producers, slaughterhouses and processors (must document origin and production steps to qualify for labeling).
- Retailers and wholesalers selling beef in Wyoming (obligated to ensure labels that claim U.S. or Wyoming origin meet statutory criteria).
- Wyoming Department of Agriculture (rulemaking, oversight and potential enforcement responsibilities).
- Consumers (improved clarity about origin when labels are used).
- Potential marketing impact for U.S. and Wyoming beef producers.
Procedural and timeline notes
- Introduced: Jan 22, 2025.
- Passed Senate (3rd reading) Jan 29, 2025 (28–3); passed House Feb 20, 2025 (59–1–2); conference committee resolved disagreements; final conference version adopted Feb 26, 2025.
- Governor signed (SEA No. 0051) Feb 27, 2025.
- Assigned Chapter Number 84 / Enrolled Act No. 51.
- Effective date: July 1, 2025.
Fiscal and administrative impact
- Fiscal note: impact indeterminable. Bill increases administrative duties (rulemaking, compliance oversight) for state agencies; Department of Agriculture was asked to provide an administrative impact estimate. The bill as introduced did not appropriate funds or modify agency personnel authorizations.
Additional notes
- The statute uses “Only … may clearly be labeled” language: labeling is optional but restricted to products meeting the listed origin criteria.
- The act amends existing labeling penalties/prohibitions framework (W.S. 35-7-111 and 35-7-119) rather than creating a standalone enforcement scheme.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
