East Central Reporter

State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) successfully advanced House Bill 2601 out of the Agriculture and Conservation Committee this week. The bill aims to reduce government regulation and costs for meat processing in Illinois, with unanimous support from various agricultural organizations.

Niemerg, the driving force behind the bill, emphasized the importance of this legislation for farmers in Illinois. He stated, “This is an issue for farmers in my district and around the state who process meat. The change in the law will help cut back on government redundancy and regulation, as well as cut back on the cost to all of the wrapping paper used in the meat processing industry here in Illinois which is a positive for the environment.”

The proposed changes outlined in House Bill 2601 involve amendments to the Meat and Poultry Inspection Act. If passed, the Director of Agriculture would have the authority to exempt certain meat products from inspection, provided that specific conditions are met.

Support for the bill comes from key industry players like the Illinois Association of Meat Processors, the Illinois Farm Bureau, and the Illinois Beef Association. With unanimous approval from the committee, House Bill 2601 is now scheduled for consideration by the full House.

For further details or inquiries, interested parties can reach out to Representative Niemerg's office at 217-813-6036 or visit RepNiemerg.com.