Bill banning lab grown meat products in Oklahoma advances to Senate

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has passed HB 2829, which bans the manufacture and sale of cultivated meat in Oklahoma. Violators of the proposed legislation would face a misdemeanor conviction, and food sellers could have their licenses suspended or revoked in the event of non-compliance.

Bill author Rep. Burns states that the measure is meant to protect the Oklahoma livestock industry as well as prevent consumer confusion regarding meat products.

"Oklahoma has a proud agricultural heritage and this bill is about protecting our ranchers, farmers, and consumers from an unregulated and potentially misleading industry," Burns said. "Real meat comes from real animals and we want to ensure that Oklahoma's food supply remains transparent and safe for our citizens."

The bill has passed the House with 72 votes and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

What is in HB 2829 specifically?

The bill defines "cultivated meat" as meat or meat products produced from cultured animal tissue in a lab environment using in vitro cell cultures outside of the original animal. It clarifies that all "cultivated meat" would be illegal to manufacture, sell, hold, offer for sale, or distribute.

Businesses selling food that violates the prohibition would face enforcement actions from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, providing the department with regulatory oversight and creating enforcement rules. Furthermore, food sellers' licenses may be suspended or revoked if an owner or employee is convicted of selling cultivated meat.

HB 2829 does not prevent research on cultivated meat by federal state, or local government entities, higher education institutions, or their formal partners.

If passed, the law would take effect Nov. 1, 2025.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Burns in the House and Sen. Green in the Senate. The bill has been reviewed by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Oversight, which recommended it for passage on Mar. 5, 2025.

Read the full text of HB 2829 here.