AB171

Existing law prohibits an egg product or shell egg from being sold or offered, exposed or transported for sale within this State if the egg product or shell egg was produced by an egg-laying hen confined in certain enclosures that are not cage-free. (NRS 583.211-583.251) Section 1 of this bill authorizes the State Quarantine Officer to order the temporary suspension of such requirements and any regulation relating to the sale of eggs in this State during an ongoing event that negatively impacts the national supply chain for egg products or shell eggs which may not exceed 120 consecutive days per suspension. Section 1 additionally: (1) prohibits the State Quarantine Officer from ordering more than two temporary suspensions in 1 calendar year; and (2) requires the State Quarantine Officer to provide notice to the public when the order for the temporary suspension will be released. Section 1 further authorizes the State Quarantine Officer to temporarily: (1) authorize the sale of grade B eggs; (2) prohibit certain governmental entities from purchasing eggs; and (3) authorize a farm owner or operator of a small egg flock to produce, sell or transport eggs to a retailer. Section 8 of this bill authorizes the State Quarantine Officer to adopt regulations governing the circumstances in which a temporary suspension will be ordered and any requirements for such a temporary suspension. Section 1.3 of this bill requires the State Quarantine Officer to enforce the provisions of section 1