Report Title:

Farm Produce; Genetically Modified Crops; Disclosure

Description:

Requires life science companies that operate as producers to make public disclosure of locations of crop fields and test sites of genetically modified crops and to specify the types of genetic tests conducted.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2967

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to regulation of farm produce.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the process of genetically engineering plants, animals, and other organisms, creates unique and significant risks in the areas of human health and the environment. Furthermore, the ability of genetically engineered crops to cross-pollinate with other crops and the accidental mixing of genetically engineered seeds and crops with nongenetically altered crops carries unique economic risks for agriculture. In Hawaii, genetically modified field research that is not a solution to any current local crisis should proceed cautiously, since environmental contamination could theoretically be irreversible.

SECTION 2. Chapter 145, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§145- Genetically engineered farm produce; life science producers; duty to disclose; testing. (a) A life science company that operates in this State as a producer of farm produce, shall:

(1) Disclose to the public the location of each crop field and each testing site in this State of genetically modified crops; and

(2) Disclose the types of genetic tests being conducted with respect to those crops.

(b) The department shall adopt rules pursuant to section 145-15 and in accordance with chapter 91 that include, but are not limited to, minimum disclosure requirements and the defining of criteria necessary for the purposes of implementing this section. The department shall cooperate with the departments of health and labor and industrial relations in effectuating this section.

(c) For the purpose of this section "crop" means cultivated plants or agricultural produce, such as grain, vegetables, or fruit, considered as a group."

SECTION 3. Chapter 321, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§321- Genetically engineered farm produce; life science producers; duty to disclose; testing. (a) A life science company that operates in this State as a producer of farm produce, shall:

(1) Disclose to the public, the location of each crop field and each testing site in this State of genetically modified crops; and

(2) Disclose the types of genetic tests being conducted with respect to those crops.

(b) The department shall adopt rules pursuant to section 321-9 and in accordance with chapter 91 that include, but are not limited to, minimum disclosure requirements and the defining of criteria necessary for the purposes of implementing this section. The department shall cooperate with the departments of agriculture and labor and industrial relations in effectuating this section.

(c) For the purpose of this section "crop" means cultivated plants or agricultural produce, such as grain, vegetables, or fruit, considered as a group."

SECTION 4. Chapter 396, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§396- Genetically engineered farm produce; life science producers; duty to disclose; testing. (a) A life science company that operates in this State as a producer of farm produce, shall:

(1) Disclose to the public, the location of each crop field and each testing site in this State of genetically modified crops; and

(2) Disclose the types of genetic tests being conducted with respect to those crops.

(b) The department shall adopt rules pursuant to section 396-4 and in accordance with chapter 91 that include, but are not limited to, minimum disclosure requirements and the defining of criteria necessary for the purposes of implementing this section. The department shall cooperate with the departments of agriculture and health in effectuating this section.

(c) For the purpose of this section "crop" means cultivated plants or agricultural produce, such as grain, vegetables, or fruit, considered as a group."

SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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