Summary — HB 5361
AN ACT CONCERNING THE SOURCE OF THE FRUIT USED BY FARM WINERY PERMITTEES TO MANUFACTURE WINE
Main purpose / intent
The bill’s title indicates it proposes to change statutory rules about the source of fruit that farm winery permittees must use when manufacturing wine. In general terms, the bill is intended to alter how “source of the fruit” is defined or regulated — for example where the fruit must be grown, what percentage must be locally grown or home-grown on the permittee’s land, or how such sourcing must be documented or labeled.
Note: the bill text itself was not included with the materials provided. The summary below is based on the bill title and legislative history. For exact statutory changes, language, and requirements, consult the bill text and committee reports.
Key provisions (inferred from title)
Because the bill text is not available here, specific provisions cannot be cited verbatim. Possible types of changes that a bill with this title commonly makes include:
- Revising the minimum percentage of fruit that must be grown in-state or on the permittee’s property to qualify as a “farm winery.”
- Expanding or narrowing what counts as acceptable fruit (e.g., allowing purchased fruit, out-of-state fruit, or concentrate).
- Changing labeling or marketing requirements that indicate the geographic source of fruit used.
- Amending permit definitions, reporting requirements, recordkeeping, or inspection/verification procedures.
- Adjusting associated permit fees or enforcement mechanisms.
Who would be affected
- Farm winery permit holders (vineyard owners and small wineries) — changes could affect production practices, sourcing flexibility, and compliance costs.
- Grape and fruit growers in Connecticut (or the state referenced) — may see changes in local demand.
- Wine retailers and consumers — potential impacts on product availability, labeling transparency, and local product claims.
- Alcohol regulators and licensing agencies — administrative impact from implementing and enforcing any new sourcing or labeling rules.
- Potentially municipal or state agricultural promotion programs if “in-state” sourcing incentives change.
Procedural status and timeline
- Filed: March 14, 2025 (File No. 299)
- Public hearing: February 19, 2025 (listed)
- Referred to Joint Committee on General Law (and later to Human Services per actions)
- Read first time: April 7, 2025
- Other actions: Reported out of LCO; Favorable report and placed on House calendar (House Calendar No. 201)
- Related/companion bills: SB 2032 and HB 4130
Impacts to watch and next steps
- Obtain and review the bill’s full text and any committee reports or fiscal notes for precise language and fiscal impacts.
- Review the Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis reports (referred 03/21/25) for expected costs or revenue effects.
- Monitor committee action calendars and any amendment language, as sourcing/labeling provisions are often modified during markup.
For an exact description of statutory changes, please provide the bill text or consult the legislative website for HB 5361, related committee reports, and the companion bills (SB 2032, HB 4130).
