GOP Bill Aims To Limit Local Regulation of Farms, Animal Welfare

The bill’s supporters cite California standards and local ordinances they fear may harm farm production

A Republican bill moving through the Legislature would prevent local governments from pursuing more stringent regulations overseeing farms and animal welfare.

State Sen. Romaine Quinn, R-Cameron, and Rep. Treig Pronschinske, R-Mondovi, are among lawmakers sponsoring the legislation. A companion bill passed the Assembly in February.

The proposal would bar local governments from enacting local regulations for farms or commercial operations, including concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs. The restrictions would apply in areas zoned primarily for agricultural use. It would also apply to all types of animals or animal operations, including dog breeding facilities.

The proposal would also prevent local governments from setting stricter animal welfare standards.

Quinn told the Senate’s sporting heritage committee Tuesday the bill is aimed at preempting potential problems that farmers could encounter, citing an influx of outside residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we continue to have people that have no agricultural background starting to sit on our municipal councils or township boards or county boards, we don’t need them trying to regulate our farms in a manner that goes against what current practice has always been,” Quinn said.