Senate Measure Would End California’s Animal-Welfare Law

Republican lawmakers in the U.S. Senate introduced legislation last week that would strike down California's animal-welfare law created as a result of Proposition 12.  The Food Security and Farm Protection Act introduced by Iowa’s senators Chuck Grassley, Joni Ernst,  as well as Roger Marshall from Kansas, would prevent any state or local government from passing laws that interfere with commerce and agricultural practices outside their jurisdictions.

Proposition 12 mandates minimum floor space requirements for egg-laying hens, breeding pigs, and veal calves, ensuring they can stand, turn around, and extend their limbs.  Many Ag groups say the law put undue stress and pressures on farmers wishing to sell their goods in California, since they would need to meet Prop 12 requirements, while not living in the state.

In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Proposition 12, affirming California's right to set its own rules on meat sales within the state.

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