RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 3 co-sponsors

SB 1276 enforces strict labeling rules for roasted coffee, imposing fines for false claims to protect consumers and ensure they receive accurate product information.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

#falselabeling #fines #roastedcoffee

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 1276 (SB 1276) aims to address issues related to false labeling in the agricultural sector, specifically focusing on roasted coffee products. The bill seeks to enhance consumer protection by imposing penalties for mislabeling, thereby ensuring that consumers receive accurate information about the products they purchase.

Key Provisions

False Labeling Regulations: The bill establishes stricter guidelines for labeling roasted coffee products, requiring that all claims made on packaging be truthful and verifiable.

Penalties for Violations: SB 1276 introduces fines for producers and sellers who engage in false labeling practices. The specifics of these fines are not detailed in the provided information but are intended to deter misleading marketing practices.

Consumer Protection: By ensuring accurate labeling, the bill aims to protect consumers from being misled about the quality and origin of the coffee they purchase.

Affected Parties

Coffee Producers and Sellers: The bill will directly impact businesses involved in the production and sale of roasted coffee, as they will need to comply with the new labeling requirements.

Consumers: Individuals purchasing roasted coffee will benefit from clearer and more accurate product information, enabling them to make informed choices.

Legislative Timeline and Procedural Aspects

Introduced: January 21, 2025

First Reading: January 23, 2025

Committee Reviews: The bill has undergone several committee reviews, including:

CPN (Consumer Protection and Commerce): Recommended passage with amendments on February 4, 2025.
JDC (Judiciary and Government Operations): Recommended passage without amendments on February 20, 2025.
AGR (Agriculture): Recommended passage with amendments on March 12, 2025.

Second Reading: Passed as amended in HD 1 on March 14, 2025, with no votes against and some members excused.

Next Steps: Following its passage in the AGR committee, SB 1276 has been referred to the CPC committee for further consideration.

Related Legislation

Companion Bill: HB 1291, which is related to SB 1276, may provide additional context or provisions regarding the same subject matter.

This summary provides an overview of SB 1276, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and the legislative process it has undergone. The bill represents a significant step towards enhancing consumer protection in the agricultural sector, particularly concerning the labeling of roasted coffee products.

Bill