A Nebraska measure that could invite private-sector horse processing into that state drew closer to becoming law on March 30 when lawmakers voted it out of the first round of floor debates required to pass the legislation.

LB 305 would establish a state inspection program for plants that process meat and poultry for human consumption. The program would operate under United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) Program requirements.

MPI programs operate in several states under cooperative agreement with the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Under the agreement, participating states must enforce food safety requirements that meet or exceed those contained in the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act. Food products produced under the state inspections may not be distributed across state lines.

LB 305 sponsor State Sen. Tyson Larson said the bill would support existing plants that process grass-fed cattle, bison, elk, and ostrich. The measure would also invite horse processing plant developers to the state, he said