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Bill

HB 9

Public Safety - Food System Resiliency Council - Definitions and Reports

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dylan Behler and 6 co-sponsors

Maryland creates Food System Resiliency Council to develop food supply vulnerability standards and emergency preparedness reporting mechanisms.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 496
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Bill Summary · HB 9

Legislative bill overview

HB 9 establishes a Food System Resiliency Council in Maryland tasked with developing definitions, standards, and reporting mechanisms related to food system vulnerabilities and emergency preparedness. The bill creates a formal governmental structure to assess and address risks to Maryland's food supply chain across production, distribution, and access.

Why is this important

Food system disruptions—whether from natural disasters, supply chain failures, or public health emergencies—directly affect consumer prices, nutritional access, and economic stability. By creating dedicated oversight and mandatory reporting requirements, the state gains systematic data to identify weak points and develop contingency plans before crises occur.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden: New reporting requirements may impose compliance costs on farmers, distributors, and retailers, particularly small businesses with limited administrative capacity
  • Council scope and authority: Unclear whether the council has enforcement power or merely advisory status, and whether recommendations will be binding or voluntary
  • Funding mechanisms: Bill does not explicitly address how the council will be funded, potentially creating budget pressures or reliance on existing agency resources

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

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