Nebraska State Senate advances bill to ban lab-grown meat
On Monday, the Nebraska State Senate advanced Legislative Bill 246, which would ban the production, import, distribution, promotion, display, or sale of lab-grown meat in the state. The bill, introduced at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen, aims to protect the Nebraska meat industry and consumers from what some lawmakers see as the potential dangers of lab-grown meat. If passed, Nebraska would join a handful of states that have implemented similar bans.
State Sen. Barry DeKay, the bill’s author, emphasized the goal is not to impose heavy penalties, but rather to keep the product off the shelves. Supporters of the ban argue that lab-grown meat poses safety concerns and undermines traditional agriculture, which is a major industry in Nebraska. However, opponents, such as State Sen. Danielle Conrad, argue that the ban is unnecessary, as lab-grown meat is not yet widely available and could be labeled as such for consumers to make informed decisions.
The Nebraska Farm Bureau supported a proposal to label lab-grown meat without banning it outright. Despite opposition, Gov. Pillen and other supporters see the ban as a way to protect consumers and defend the state’s agricultural economy. Some lawmakers, like State Sen. Ben Hansen, believe the state has more pressing issues to address.
The debate surrounding lab-grown meat highlights the broader discussion about the future of food production and consumer preferences. The bill will now move to the next round of debate in the statehouse, with the potential to become law in Nebraska.
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