An act relating to exemptions for food manufacturing establishments
Sponsored By: Jonathan Cooper (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Clear rules for cottage foods and food makers
The law defines cottage food operations and products. You can make and package nonperishable foods in your home kitchen. Home-canned pickles, vegetables, and fruits are allowed if the finished product has pH 4.6 or less or water activity 0.85 or less and uses an approved recipe. The Health Department can add more foods by rule. The law also defines food manufacturing establishments to include bakeries, cottage food operations, distributors, and warehouses, and it excludes places that only make maple syrup or maple products. These definitions apply starting July 1, 2025.
Short-term rentals excluded from lodging rules
A short-term rental is a furnished home, condo, room, or unit rented for under 30 days per stay. If you rent it more than 14 days in a year, it is not a “lodging establishment” under state lodging rules. This change takes effect July 1, 2025.
Small cottage food sellers skip licenses and fees
Beginning July 1, 2025, cottage food operations with $30,000 or less in cottage food sales pay no licensure fees. Also, if your average gross retail sales are below the state’s licensing sales thresholds, you do not need a license or to pay those fees.
Training and yearly filings for exempt food businesses
Starting July 1, 2025, the Health Commissioner sets training rules for food business owners and workers. If you claim a licensing exemption, you must file a yearly exemption form and attest you completed any required training. The Department uses emergency rules until permanent rules are adopted, so requirements start right away.
Annual license fees for bakeries and food makers
Starting July 1, 2025, nonbakery food businesses pay $175 a year if yearly sales are $10,001 to $50,000. They pay $275 if sales are over $50,000. Nonbakery businesses with $10,000 or less are exempt. Bakeries pay a flat annual fee by size: home $100, small commercial $200, large commercial $350.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Jonathan Cooper
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Abbey Duke
Democratic • House
Anthony "Tony" Micklus
Republican • House
Ashley R Bartley
Republican • House
Chris Keyser
Republican • House
David "Dave" Bosch
Republican • House
David K Durfee
Democratic • House
Edye Graning
Democratic • House
Emily Carris Duncan
Democratic • House
Esme Cole
Democratic • House
Gregory "Greg" Burtt
Republican • House
Rep. Heather Surprenant
Affiliation unavailable
Herb Olson
Democratic • House
Jed Lipsky
Independent • House
John K O'Brien
Democratic • House
Joshua Dobrovich
Republican • House
Jubilee McGill
Democratic • House
Kate Lalley
Democratic • House
Kenneth "Ken" L Wells
Republican • House
Kirk White
Democratic • House
Laura H Sibilia
Independent • House
Leland J Morgan
Republican • House
Michael Boutin
Republican • House
Michael Mrowicki
Democratic • House
Michael Nigro
Democratic • House
Michelle Bos-Lun
Democratic • House
Monique Priestley
Democratic • House
Richard M Nelson
Republican • House
Robert Hunter
Democratic • House
Shawn Sweeney
Democratic • House
VL L Coffin IV
Republican • House
William "Will" Greer
Democratic • House
Zon Eastes
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
House message: Governor approved bill on June 2, 2025
6/3/2025SenateSigned by Governor on June 2, 2025
6/2/2025HouseDelivered to the Governor on May 27, 2025
5/27/2025HouseHouse message: House concurred in Senate proposal of amendment
5/22/2025SenateSenate proposal of amendment concurred in
5/20/2025HouseAction Calendar: Unfinished Business
5/20/2025HouseAction Calendar: Action postponed until May 20, 2025
5/19/2025HouseRep. Durfee of Shaftsbury moved to postpone action until 5/20/2025, which was agreed to
5/16/2025HouseAction Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment
5/16/2025HouseNotice Calendar: Senate Proposal of Amendment
5/15/2025HouseSenate Message: Passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment
5/14/2025HouseRead 3rd time & passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment
5/13/2025SenateNew Business/Third Reading
5/13/2025Senate3rd reading ordered
5/9/2025SenateProposal of amendment by Committee on Health and Welfare agreed to
5/9/2025SenateReported favorably by Senator Gulick for Committee on Finance
5/9/2025SenateRead 2nd time, reported favorably with proposal of amendment by Senator Gulick for Committee on Health and Welfare
5/9/2025SenateFavorable report by Committee on Finance
5/9/2025SenateFavorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Health and Welfare
5/9/2025SenateNew Business/Second Reading
5/9/2025SenateFavorable report by Committee on Finance
5/8/2025SenateFavorable report with proposal of amendment by Committee on Health and Welfare
5/8/2025SenateSecond Reading
5/8/2025SenateEntered on Notice Calendar
5/8/2025SenateReferred to Committee on Finance per Senate Rule 31
5/2/2025Senate
Bill Text
As Enacted (ACT 42)
6/4/2025
As Passed by Both Chambers
5/21/2025
As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)
5/21/2025
Senate Proposal of Amendment
5/19/2025
Senate Proposal of Amendment (Unofficial)
5/19/2025
As Passed by the House
3/27/2025
As Passed by the House (Unofficial)
3/27/2025
As Introduced
2/26/2025
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