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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 22, 2023 03:55 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Joe Kerwin |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Milk tester and weigher sampler certification periods (Prior HB 2457) |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation to update the Milk Marketing Law to synchronize the time periods of field evaluations by the PA Department of Agriculture (department) milk testers and milk weighers and samplers, and certifications by the Milk Marketing Board (MMB) of the same individuals. The bill will also eliminate outdated language referencing fees for examinations and certificates for these individuals. Milk samples are taken when milk is picked up at a farm and the samples are tested to confirm butterfat and other components which are associated with value and quality. Individuals who collect and test milk samples are certified by the MMB after demonstrating proficiency by exam. Certification renewals are done on an annual basis. However, milk sanitation regulations administered by the department require a field evaluation of milk testers/weighers/samplers every two years, and that evaluation is conducted by the department. This legislation will make both time periods two years. The examination and certification fees for these individuals in the Milk Marketing Law have long been replaced by fees established by the MMB. This bill will remove the outdated fee language and reference the authority of the MMB to establish fees by regulation. Prior HB 2457 passed the House last Session by unanimous vote. Please consider co-sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB72