Amended raw milk bill gets Montana Senate support
Montana Senate endorses amended raw milk measure after government oversight added
HELENA, Mont. (AP) -- The Montana Senate is backing an amended measure that allows for the sale of raw milk, but only under the Department of Livestock's regulation.
The bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. Champ Edmunds of Missoula, says he opposes the amendments, which would restrict the sale of raw milk to Grade A Dairies that are set up to comply in accordance with governmental regulation.
The measure still allows for herd share exemptions — a provision that allows people who share ownership in cows to receive raw milk.
Supporters of the measure say the bill is a good compromise between necessary regulation and raw-milk drinkers.
House Bill 574 gained the Senate's initial support in a 39-10 vote Monday and will need to get another two-thirds approval in a final vote.
