WeVote
Log In

Bill

WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJ 46

Summary — SJ 46: Interim study of food security and agricultural prosperity

Status: Joint Resolution — Introduced Oct 30, 2024; Died in Process May 23, 2025

Purpose and intent

SJ 46 would have created an interim legislative study on “food security and agricultural prosperity.” The resolution’s stated purpose was to direct the Legislature (through committees, staff, and interested state agencies) to examine the state’s agricultural and livestock systems, vulnerabilities in food supply and distribution, and policy options to strengthen farm and ranch economic viability and consumers’ access to reliable, affordable food.

Key provisions (as indicated by the bill title and subject tags)

The bill text is not reproduced in the public summary provided; however, based on the title and subject classification (Agriculture, Livestock, Taxation--Agriculture/Livestock, Appropriations, Interim Studies, Statutory), SJ 46 likely would have done the following:

  • Established an interim study or task force to evaluate food security and agricultural prosperity across the state.
  • Directed participation or information-sharing from state agencies (e.g., Department of Agriculture, natural resources, transportation, revenue) and invited stakeholders (producers, processors, retailers, tribal governments, public health, food banks).
  • Identified specific topics for review such as: farm and livestock economic viability; processing and distribution capacity; supply‑chain resiliency; taxation and incentive structures affecting agriculture and livestock; water/irrigation and resource constraints; workforce and labor needs; disease and biosecurity; market access and value‑added processing; and food access/food insecurity in rural and urban areas.
  • Required hearings, collection of data, and preparation of an interim or final report with findings and legislative recommendations for the next session.
  • May have included provisions about timelines for meetings, reporting deadlines, and use of legislative staff or agency resources (typical elements of interim study resolutions).

Who would be affected

  • Farmers, ranchers and livestock producers
  • Agricultural processors, distributors, and agribusinesses
  • State agencies that regulate agriculture, food safety, finance, transportation and natural resources
  • Rural communities and workers in the agricultural sector
  • Consumers, food banks, and organizations addressing food insecurity
  • State budget and finance if the study produced recommendations requiring appropriations

Procedural history and timeline

  • Drafting began March–April 2025; introduced in the Senate on April 16–17, 2025.
  • Referred to the Senate Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Committee; hearings held April 17–18; committee adopted the resolution and committee report filed April 22.
  • Passed the Senate on 2nd and 3rd readings (Apr 24–25, 2025) and transmitted to the House.
  • Referred to the House Business and Labor Committee, where the committee concurred (Apr 29); scheduled for second reading Apr 30 but “2nd Reading Not Concurred.”
  • Final status: (S) Died in Process on May 23, 2025 — the resolution did not become effective or produce a legislative study under this bill number.

Fiscal and policy impact

  • Interim studies typically require limited new spending and rely on legislative staff and existing agency resources; any significant fiscal impact would depend on subsequent implementation recommendations (e.g., new programs or appropriations).
  • The study’s recommendations, if adopted in later legislation, could affect tax policy for agriculture, appropriations for agricultural programs, regulatory changes, and investments in processing, transportation, and food security programs.

Related bill

  • LC 666 is listed as a related/replacing measure (the record indicates this bill replaces or is related to LC 666).

If you want, I can draft a hypothetical study scope and timeline SJ 46 might have used (detailed charge, membership, reporting deadlines) for comparison with other interim study resolutions.

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

Sign in to ask a question.