WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 4883

Relates to the calculation of operating revenue for purposes of minimum direct resident care spending by residential health care facilities

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Gounardes

Transfer authority for on-farm dairy processing inspections from DOH to DOA, moving records and staff; DOA to regulate with DOH/local boards' input, effective immediately.

REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4883

Summary of S. 4883 (Introduced Nov. 17, 2025)

Overview

S. 4883 would transfer regulatory authority for inspections of on-farm dairy processing from the Department of Health (DOH) to the Department of Agriculture (DOA) in New Jersey. The bill requires ongoing collaboration among DOA, DOH, and local boards of health, and it authorizes DOA to adopt rules necessary to implement the new arrangement. The measure is sponsored by Sen. John J. Burzichelli and Sen. Parker Space and was introduced in the Senate on November 17, 2025, and referred to the Senate Economic Growth Committee. A companion bill exists in the Assembly (A-6130).

What the bill would do

  • Transfer of authority

    • Transfers jurisdiction and authority over inspections of on-farm dairy processing operations from the DOH to the DOA.
    • The DOA, in consultation with the DOH and local boards of health, would oversee all inspections of on-farm dairy processing activities.

  • Transfer of assets and personnel

    • All books, papers, records, documents, and equipment in the custody of or maintained for DOH purposes related to inspecting on-farm dairy processing operations would be transferred to the DOA.
    • All DOH employees who participate in inspecting on-farm dairy processing operations would be transferred to the DOA. Those employees would be assigned to duties as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture.

  • Regulatory authority

    • The Secretary of Agriculture may adopt rules and regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) to implement the bill’s provisions.

  • Effective date

    • The act would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Who would be affected

  • State regulatory framework: DOA would assume primary regulatory oversight for on-farm dairy processing inspections.
  • Department of Health: would transfer authority, records, and personnel related to these inspections to the DOA.
  • DOA staff: new responsibilities and workloads related to on-farm dairy processing inspections, with assignments determined by the Secretary of Agriculture.
  • Local boards of health: continue to participate through consultation and collaboration with DOA and DOH.
  • On-farm dairy operators: subject to inspections overseen by DOA (in coordination with DOH/local boards, as applicable).

Key provisions and details

  • Jurisdiction transfer: DOH’s existing authority to inspect on-farm dairy processing operations moves to DOA.
  • Oversight mechanism: DOA oversees inspections, in collaboration with DOH and local boards of health.
  • Transfer of records and employees: comprehensive transfer of DOH records and DOH inspection staff related to on-farm dairy processing.
  • Regulatory implementation: DOA may issue rules to implement the new structure under the APA.
  • Immediate effectiveness: the bill is intended to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Legislative status and related actions

  • Introduced in the Senate on November 17, 2025.
  • Referred to the Senate Economic Growth Committee.
  • Sponsors: Sen. John J. Burzichelli (District 3) and Sen. Parker Space (District 24).
  • Related/companion bill: A-6130 ( Assembly counterpart).

Potential implications

  • Operational shift: A realignment of regulatory responsibilities and resources from DOH to DOA, with a need for coordination during the transition.
  • Regulatory consistency: Potential for unified agricultural oversight, potentially streamlining inspections under one department.
  • Local health collaboration: Emphasizes continued collaboration with DOH and local boards of health during inspections.

For readers seeking a concise understanding: S. 4883 would move on-farm dairy processing inspections from DOH to DOA, transferring records and staff, and authorizing DOA to regulate with input from DOH and local boards, effective immediately after enactment.

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

Sign in to ask a question.