Bill HF0855

Session 2026

Bill Introduced By
Omji Errthum
Cotter Schools
Senate

Senate Author
Omji Errthum

A bill for an act relating to

Relating to agriculture; requiring a study of microplastics in meat and poultry.

Committee Hearing

Path	Committee	Action
1	Health and Human Services Committee	Passed
2	Ways and Means and Taxes Committee	Passed
3	Rules Committee	Passed

Legislative Action

	Action
House	Passed
Senate	Passed
Governor	Signed

Select Amendment

1.1        A bill for an act
1.2        relating to agriculture; requiring a study of microplastics in meat and poultry;
1.3        requiring a report; appropriating money.
1.4        BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5        Section 1. APPROPRIATION; MICROPLASTICS IN MEAT AND POULTRY
1.6        STUDY.
1.7       $1,500,000 in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
1.8        of agriculture to study, in consultation with the commissioner of health and the University
1.9        of Minnesota, the presence of microplastics in meat and poultry sold or offered for sale in
1.10      Minnesota. The commissioner of agriculture may contract with a private laboratory or other
1.11      entities as necessary to perform the study. No later than February 1, 2027, the commissioner
1.12      must report findings and recommendations to the legislative committees with jurisdiction
1.13      over agriculture and health. This is a onetime appropriation.

Author
Omji Errthum
Cotter Schools
Senate

Essay

PRO :

Microplastics in foods have become increasingly more common in recent years. Contamination with microplastics is widespread across brands and stores, which suggests it’s not negligence in a store or brand. Microplastics have been found to damage human health through distribution in the bloodstream, interfering with endocrine and immune systems. Because of this, it is in the interest of everyone to have more research done on these microplastics in our food here in Minnesota. In this way, we can become more knowledgeable and increase food safety for Minnesotans.

Exposure of U.S. adults to microplastics from commonly-consumed proteins - ScienceDirect

From farm to fork: Microplastic contamination in the meat and dairy supply chain - PMC

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9920460/

AGAINST :

Currently, Minnesota has around a 2.5 billion dollar surplus in the state budget. However, by 2029, the state treasury may have a deficit of nearly 3 billion by 2029. The funds that Minnesota has presently may be better allocated to protecting the treasury for the near future. Similarly, looking into microplastics may lead to laws or inspections that put more strain on local businesses. Already, Minnesota is a fairly regulatory state, sitting at 34th out of our 50 states. Adding more regulations on microplastics, and the work that comes with it, may put unnecessary tension on businesses.

New Minnesota economic forecast shows near-term surplus, long-term deficit is smaller | MPR News

Minnesota Regulatory Freedom | Cato Institute

Title	Audience	Status	Created Sort ascending
Vote in Senate on HF0855	Senate	Closed	03/06/2026 - 2:04pm
Vote in House on HF0855	House	Closed	03/06/2026 - 1:38pm
Vote in Rules Committee on HF0855	Rules Committee	Closed	03/06/2026 - 10:40am
Vote in Health and Human Services Committee on HF0855	Health and Human Services Committee	Closed	03/05/2026 - 10:38am
Vote in Health and Human Services Committee on HF0855	Health and Human Services Committee	Closed	03/05/2026 - 10:35am