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Bill Summary · SJ 25

Summary — SJ 25: Joint resolution urging Congress to support MCOOL

Status: Filed with Secretary of State (May 5, 2025)
Introduced: January 8, 2025
Classification: Joint resolution (memorial/urging resolution)
Subject areas: Agriculture; Livestock; Taxation — Agriculture/Livestock; Rulemaking

Purpose and intent

SJ 25 is a non‑binding joint resolution urging the United States Congress and relevant federal agencies to support MCOOL — Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling — for covered agricultural and livestock products. The resolution expresses the state legislature’s policy preference that consumers be informed about the country of origin of certain food products and that federal law and rulemaking preserve or restore country‑of‑origin labeling requirements that apply to meat, livestock, and related agricultural goods.

Key provisions

  • Formally urges Congress to enact, maintain, or strengthen federal MCOOL requirements (Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling) for applicable agricultural and livestock products.
  • Requests that federal agencies (for example, USDA) adopt and enforce rules that ensure clear, accurate country‑of‑origin information is available to consumers at the retail level.
  • Encourages federal action that supports state agricultural producers and supply‑chain transparency while respecting relevant international trade obligations.
  • As a joint resolution, it expresses the legislature’s position and asks federal lawmakers to act — it does not create binding state regulatory requirements or alter state taxation by itself.

Who would be affected

  • Producers and livestock growers: the resolution advocates federal labeling that may affect how producers supply origin information.
  • Food processors, distributors, and retailers: could face federal labeling obligations or changes in labeling practices if Congress acts consistent with the resolution.
  • Consumers: the stated intent is to provide consumers with clearer origin information when buying covered agricultural or meat products.
  • Federal policymakers and agencies: the resolution is directed at Congress and federal rule‑making bodies to influence federal law and regulations.
  • Trade partners and importers: changes to MCOOL at the federal level can have implications for international trade and import practices.

Procedural history and timeline (selected)

  • Introduced in the Senate: January 8, 2025.
  • Committee referral, hearings and committee adoption actions occurred in both chambers (Senate Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation; House Agriculture) during January–April 2025.
  • Adopted by the Senate and transmitted to the House (January 28, 2025 — noted on consent calendar).
  • Adopted by the House and concurred (records show concurrence and readings in April 2025).
  • Enrolled and signed by presiding officers (Senate President signed May 1, 2025; House Speaker signed May 2, 2025).
  • Filed with the Secretary of State: May 5, 2025.

Additional notes

  • SJ 25 is a policy statement and advocacy tool; it does not itself change state or federal law but puts the legislature on record urging specific federal action.
  • The bill replaces draft LC 3250.
  • Because MCOOL intersects with federal statute and international trade rules, actual legal changes would require congressional action or federal rulemaking.

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

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