Agricultural operations; local regulation of certain activities, On-Farm Activities Working Group. (SB51)

Introduced By

Sen. Richard Stuart (R-Westmoreland) with support from co-patrons Sen. Chap Petersen (D-Fairfax), Sen. Toddy Puller (D-Mount Vernon), and Sen. Bill Stanley (R-Moneta)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Agricultural operations; local regulation of certain activities. Protects customary agritourism activities at agricultural operations from local bans in the absence of substantial impacts on the public welfare and requires localities to take certain factors into account when regulating agritourism activities. The bill requires a basis in health, safety, or public welfare for a local ordinance that restricts any of several activities: the conduct of agritourism activities, the sale of agricultural or silvicultural products or related items, the preparation or sale of foods that otherwise comply with state law, and other customary activities. Localities are prohibited from subjecting those listed activities to a special-use permit requirement, and in most situations localities are prevented from stringently regulating the sound produced by the listed activities. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Passed

History

DateAction
12/17/2013Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/08/14 14102000D
12/17/2013Referred to Committee on Local Government
01/21/2014Reported from Local Government (14-Y 0-N)
01/21/2014Rereferred to Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
01/30/2014Reported from Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources with substitite (10-Y 5-N) (see vote tally)
01/30/2014Committee substitute printed 14104069D-S1
02/03/2014Constitutional reading dispensed (39-Y 0-N)
02/04/2014Read second time
02/04/2014Reading of substitute waived
02/04/2014Committee substitute agreed to 14104069D-S1
02/04/2014Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute SB51S1
02/05/2014Impact statement from DPB (SB51S1)
02/05/2014Read third time and passed Senate (32-Y 7-N)
02/07/2014Placed on Calendar
02/07/2014Read first time
02/07/2014Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources
02/12/2014Reported from Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources with amendments (17-Y 4-N) (see vote tally)
02/13/2014Read second time
02/14/2014Engrossed by House as amended SB51
02/14/2014Read third time
02/14/2014Committee amendments agreed to
02/14/2014Engrossed by House as amended
02/14/2014Passed House with amendments (75-Y 19-N)
02/14/2014VOTE: PASSAGE (75-Y 19-N) (see vote tally)
02/18/2014House amendments agreed to by Senate (40-Y 0-N)
02/20/2014Enrolled
02/20/2014Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB51ER)
02/20/2014Impact statement from DPB (SB51ER)
02/20/2014Signed by Speaker
02/22/2014Signed by President
03/05/2014G Approved by Governor-Chapter 153 (effective 7/1/14)
03/05/2014G Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0153)

Video

This bill was discussed on the floor of the General Assembly. Below is all of the video that we have of that discussion, 3 clips in all, totaling 3 minutes.

Comments

Tom Grigsby writes:

I strongly support the right of farmers and consumers to engage in direct sales and other farm activities that do not significantly impinge on the rights of others.

These kinds of activities are what land ownership and farming are about.
Personal and commercial activities should not require extraordinary permissions (meaningless hoop jumping) from local gov't bureaucracies ,which infringes on the constitutional rights and freedoms of citizens trying to make a living and provide for their families.

Farmers should be free from the meddling of county governments harassing farmers as if it is a suburban homeowners association.

Please support bills HB 268 and SB 51, introduced by Delegates Orrock and Senator Stuart.

The passage of this legislation will create untold economic opportunity for Virginia farmers!

Thank you for your support.

Sheila Robadey writes:

Please support out local small farms!!! They need your help. Thanks.

Gloria Jackson writes:

Please support bills HB 268 and SB 51, introduced by Delegates Orrock and Senator Stuart

Valerie McStine writes:

We have the right to purchase our food direct from our farmers. Support our small local farmers!!!

Carol Colligan writes:

Please support bills HB 268 and SB 51. I have the right to know where my food comes from and to purchase it from my local farm.

Sandra Sauer-Bernard writes:

I am a Virginia resident. and urging Senators Kaine & Warner to vote YES on SB 51.
I support the right of farmers and consumers to engage in direct sales and farm activities. It is way for the consumer to appreciate wholesome food, local farming and support those farmers who have made a living in feeding themselves and sharing their knowledge with the local people.

Raj writes:

Please support bills HB 268 and SB 51 and allow me to have the right to know where my food comes from and to purchase it from my local farm.

patricia giesecke writes:

I am requesting my delegate, Marcus Simon to vote yes on SB51. I will be following the results of the vote this week and hope my representatives support this important bill for freedom.
Thank you