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2007 SESSION

071709796
SENATE BILL NO. 806
Offered January 10, 2007
Prefiled January 3, 2007
A BILL to amend and reenact § 35.1-14.2 of the Code of Virginia, relating to donations of food to charitable organizations; exception to regulations.
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Patron-- Puller
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Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That § 35.1-14.2 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 35.1-14.2. Donations of food to charitable organizations.

A. Any restaurant, licensed by the Department of Health pursuant to this title and any processor, distributor, wholesaler or retailer of food, including, but not limited to, a grocery, convenience, or other store selling food or food products, may donate unserved excess foods to any charity organization which that is exempt from taxation under 26 U.S.C. § 501 (c) (3), and to political subdivisions for distribution to needy persons. Charitable organizations engaged in food distribution programs for needy persons shall notify the local political subdivision of their programs. Upon the notification of such food distribution programs by such charitable organizations, the local political subdivision shall provide a list of such charitable organizations within its jurisdiction to those restaurants and other food suppliers who request such information. Organizations engaged in such food distribution programs shall be exempt from civil liability as provided in § 3.1-418.1 for the donors of the food.

B. Charitable organizations prior to engaging in food distribution programs for needy persons shall comply with the applicable regulations, including those adopted pursuant to §§ 35.1-11 and 35.1-14 and with the provisions of §§ 35.1-18 and 35.1-21., with the exception of any state or local regulations that require commercial-grade kitchens and equipment.  For purposes of the exception provided in this subsection, "charitable organizations" shall include non-profit homeless shelters and any volunteer who prepares food for such organization.

2. That an emergency exists and this act is in force from its passage.