An act relating to standards for the care of egg-laying hens

This bill prohibits confining egg-laying hens in spaces that prevent them from fully spreading both wings without touching enclosure sides or other hens. It requires egg producers to provide floor space per hen that meets the 2017 United Egg Producers Animal Husbandry Guidelines for cage-free production. The law directly affects Vermont egg producers who house hens in confined systems, with exemptions for medical research, veterinary care, agricultural fairs, and humane slaughter. Violations may result in enforcement actions by the Secretary of Agriculture, including written warnings, corrective orders, or civil penalties.