(NASHVILLE) — House Majority Leader Glen Casada (R–Thompson’s Station) announced this week that State Representative Jay Reedy (R–Erin) has been chosen to shepherd House Bill 299 through the legislative process on behalf of Republican leadership.
House Bill 299 is part of Governor Haslam’s legislative package for the year, which is traditionally handled by the House Majority Leader. Because of Representative Reedy’s leadership abilities, however, he was handpicked to lead the charge in getting the legislation passed and will handle all details relating to the bill.
“In his time here in Nashville, Representative Reedy has proven himself as an extremely intelligent and capable member of the General Assembly,” said Majority Leader Casada. “I have full confidence in Jay’s ability to shepherd this important bill through the legislative process, and I look forward to working with him even more in the coming weeks.”
House Bill 299 is a pro-small business bill that encourages the growing and selling of Tennessee-based agriculture by removing governmental regulations and red tape that have placed undue burdens on the distribution of homegrown, locally produced food products.
Currently, all food manufacturers, regardless of size, are required to be licensed and inspected by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, incurring fees and other payments due to the state. House Bill 299 removes these licensing costs, allowing home-kitchens and small start-up companies the ability to thrive without being burdened by unnecessary fees and expenses.
“Many of our rural communities have newly established farmers markets that continue to grow in size and offerings to the public, often leading to more healthy eating and better overall lifestyle choices,” said Representative Reedy. “Upon passage, this important legislation will stop the licensing and inspections required by the Department of Agriculture at over 150 existing domestic kitchens. This will allow for growth in our rural communities and at small business start-ups like the farmers markets I am very proud of in Humphreys and Houston Counties.”
The full text of House Bill 299 can be accessed by visiting the Tennessee General Assembly website at: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/110/Bill/HB0299.pdf.
Jay Reedy serves as a member of the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and Subcommittee, as well as the House Education Instruction & Programs Committee. He lives in Erin and represents House District 74, which includes all of Houston, Humphreys, and part of Montgomery Counties. He can be reached by email at Rep.Jay.Reedy@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-7098.
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