Rep. Reneau's Food Freedom Legislation Becomes Law

I'm proud to announce that House Bill 130, which I sponsored in the Tennessee House, has been signed into law as Public Chapter 431! This legislation expands food freedom for Tennessee families and creates new opportunities for home-based food businesses and small farms across our state.

Effective July 1, 2025, Tennessee home cooks and farmers will have greater freedom to feed their neighbors with wholesome, locally-produced foods.

Before July 1, 2025, Tennessee home kitchens could only sell:

• Breads, cookies, cakes (using store-bought ingredients only)

• Jams, jellies, and preserves

• Dehydrated fruits, vegetables, and herbs

• Candies and dried tea blends

• Other shelf-stable items that don't require refrigeration

Starting July 1, 2025, home kitchens can now legally include:

• Cooked poultry products: rotisserie chicken, soups, pot pies

• Pasteurized dairy products: hard cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, gouda), butter, yogurt, kefir

• Everything previously allowed continues to be permitted

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This expansion allows Tennessee families to access fresh, local poultry and dairy products directly from trusted neighbors and local farms.

This legislation reflects core conservative principles: limited government that protects safety without micromanaging lives, individual liberty to choose food sources, economic freedom for entrepreneurs, and local control over local activities.

The law maintains important protections while expanding freedom. Poultry products must come from operations that comply with federal regulations under TN Poultry Act or poultry that has been inspected. All dairy products must be pasteurized, and sales must be made directly from producer to consumer.

This legislation demonstrates that conservative principles are practical. When we trust families, reduce government interference, and expand economic freedom, everyone benefits. Tennessee continues to lead the nation in showing how limited government creates prosperity and opportunity.

I'm grateful for the support of my House colleagues, Rep. Davis, Rep, McCalman, Rep. Reeves, Rep. Warner, Senator Bowling and Senator Lowe in the Senate, and Governor Lee, who signed this important legislation into law.

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State Representative Michele Reneau

(615) 741-2746

Rep.Michele.Reneau@capitol.tn.gov