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UPDATE: 3/5/2024 - HB 714 died, it failed to be scheduled for a hearing in the House Public Health and Human Services Committee before the deadline to be reported of 3/5/2024.
HB 714 was introduced in the House and referred to the House Public Health and Human Services Committee on 1/29/2024. This bill is sponsored by Representative Dan Eubanks.
HB 714 prohibits administration of mRNA vaccine to any livestock, agricultural specimen, poultry, produce, or other food product intended for human consumption. This bill also establishes that nothing prohibits a person from labeling a meat or meat product as "mRNA free" or similar designation as long as the animal was never administered an mRNA vaccine or vaccine material.
SECTION 1. of HB 714 creates new law that prohibits the administration of any mRNA vaccine to livestock, agricultural specimen, poultry, produce, or other food product intended for human consumption in the state of Mississippi. This section also provides a criminal penalty of a misdemeanor for any violations of this section.
SECTION 2. of HB 714 amends section 75-35-3 of Mississippi code of 1972, regarding definitions under the regulation of trade and commerce investments, to add a new paragraph (u) that defines "mRNA vaccine or vaccine material" to mean a "substance to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against disease by introducing messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) that corresponds to a viral protein."
SECTION 3. of HB 714 amends section 75-35-7 of Mississippi Code of 1972, regarding the inspection of cattle and other equines prior to entry into slaughtering establishments; separation of diseased animals; commissioner authorized to examine and inspect for methods of slaughtering and to provide for the suspension of inspection services where animals slaughtered in inhumane manner, to add a new paragraph (3) that authorizes the commissioner of agriculture and commerce of the State of Mississippi to (3) (b) recommend vaccinations of livestock, as defined in Section 69-29-103, within this state or those imported into this state; and (3) (c) order vaccinations of nonlivestock animals within this state or those imported into this state.
SECTION 4. of HB 714 amends section 75-35-15 of Mississippi Code of 1972, regarding labeling of receptacles or covering of meat or meat food products and labeling requirements, to create a new paragraph (6) that permits any person to label a meat or meat product as "mRNA free" or any similar designation, as long as the product was made from meat from an animal that was not administered an mRNA vaccine or vaccine material.
SECTION 5. of HB 714 amends section 75-33-3, of Mississippi Code of 1972, regarding definitions of terms and exemptions under the regulation of trade and commerce investments, to add a new paragraph (i) that defines "mRNA vaccine or vaccine material" to mean "a substance to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against disease by introducing messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) that corresponds to a viral protein."
If passed, HB 714 will take effect on July 1, 2024.
NVIC SUPPORTS HB 714 because it protects a person's right to informed consent when choosing meat products so that they are not being exposed to an mRNA vaccine-containing product without their knowledge or consent. Every individual has the right to informed consent regarding receiving a vaccination or ingesting vaccine materials. Prohibiting livestock intended for human consumption from being vaccinated with an mRNA vaccine allows consumers to avoid mRNA by-products. Allowing the labeling of mRNA-free food products will enable the consumer to know whether a vaccine product is in the food they are considering purchasing so that they can make an informed decision on whether or not to buy it. All vaccines are pharmaceutical products that can cause injury or even death, so there is a legitimate concern there could also be an adverse outcome from ingesting an mRNA vaccine product through vaccine-contaminated food. There is insufficient data to determine the safety of administering an mRNA vaccine product to individuals via their food supply.
https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2024/pdf/history/HB/HB0714.xml - text, status, and history of HB 714
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