Bateman: Sweet Opportunity Going Stale as Home Baking Bill Languishes in Senate Committee

Senator Kip Bateman says the lack of one essential ingredient is preventing hundreds of wanna-be entrepreneurs from selling their homemade goodies in New Jersey.

Forty-nine other states allow the sale of cookies, cakes and pastries made by home bakers. Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Bateman lifting the ban here has passed the Assembly several times, but remains scuttled in the Senate.

“This continued prohibition of the sale of home baked goods is another example of Trenton using its muscle to control people’s lives,” said Bateman (R-16). “Every other state recognizes that folks aren’t going to keel over dead from cupcakes prepared in a home kitchen. New Jersey should stop being a roadblock that prevents home bakers from using their talents to supplement their family income.”

Under the headline “Home Cooking for Profit? Sure, Just Not in New Jersey,” The New York Times reported Tuesday on the challenges home bakers continue to face in New Jersey after all other states created allowances for baked goods.

Bateman sponsors legislation (S671) that would approve the sale of fresh baked goods from private kitchens at farm stands, farmers’ markets, fairs, festivals and events.

“It’s frustrating that one committee chair can hold up an entire community that’s ready to get to work and start paying taxes. Considering the state revenue impact, the Senate President should think about transferring my bill to the Budget Committee for consideration,” said Bateman.

In 2016, the Assembly unanimously a version of the legislation sponsored by now-Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver.

“Home bakers can donate cookies and pies to be sold at fundraisers. There’s no reason to interfere with their right to start a side hustle and earn some extra money,” said Bateman. “It’s the American dream, fresh from the oven.”