Committee passes bill legalizing sales of unpasteurized milk with producer liability protection

The House Agriculture Committee on Monday approved House Bill 3,056, a measure that would allow producers to sell unpasteurized (raw) milk directly to consumers and limit producers’ liability for incidental illness. Representative Harden, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure is voluntary and “If you wanna buy the milk, you can buy the milk. If you don't, don't buy the milk.”

Supporters described the bill as a choice for consumers and said it covers all forms of unpasteurized milk — cow, goat, sheep and others — sold directly through feed stores, farmers markets and in sealed containers at restaurants for off‑premise consumption. The committee adopted two amendments from Representative Harden, including language that a producer or seller of raw unpasteurized milk "shall not be liable for any incidental illness to the consumption of raw unpasteurized milk by a consumer."

Representative Rowe asked whether restaurants that offer sealed, off‑premise purchases would receive liability protection as well; Harden said the amendment as adopted protects producers and that an additional amendment could be offered to extend protections to restaurants. Rowe also asked whether producers would be required to post signage to make consumers aware of the liability limitation; Harden said the statute puts the liability protection in law but does not currently require posted notice, and that signage could be added by amendment.

After a brief question period and no formal debate, the committee moved and seconded the bill and the clerk declared the vote 4 ayes and 2 nays. The committee chair announced: “With a vote of 4 to 2, I declare your bill to have passed.”

Next steps: HB 3,056 will proceed according to the chamber’s rules toward possible floor consideration and any further amendments or committee referrals. The committee did not set a posted-signage requirement in the version it advanced.