Senate concurs with House amendments to S.301, adds carve‑outs on pet sales and bans some big‑game parts sales

The Senate reviewed S.301, a wide-ranging agriculture bill, and concurred with several House amendments and a further proposal offered on the floor.

Senator from Rutland outlined two House amendments: clarified definitions of farm operation to include specialty service providers operating or proposing to operate mobile units, and a new prohibition on pet shops selling dogs and cats beginning July 1, 2024, with exceptions for pet shops that were already selling those animals before that date, that do not change ownership, maintain their license and do not exceed their 2023 dog‑sales counts; pet shops may still provide space for shelters or rescues to facilitate adoption.

Senator Rutland also described a further proposed amendment the Senate offered for concurrence that would make it unlawful to buy or sell big‑game meat or parts (specifically calling out paws and internal organs of a black bear) in the state outside open season or the 20 days after it, with a carve‑out for taxidermy products. On the floor the sponsor said some parts, like gallbladders and paws, are sold commercially and cited concerns about cruel treatment in some reported cases; the sponsor asked the Senate to add the section and concur with the House amendments. The Senate concurred with the House amendments and the further proposal by voice vote.

What’s next: The Senate will message the House its concurrence. The bill as amended includes statutory definitions and prohibitions; enforcement and agency guidance would be handled by the relevant state agencies once the enrolled bill is finalized.