Update Livestock Health Act
HB23-1264
LAST ACTION: Sent to the Governor 05/17/2023
Concerning the authority of the commissioner of agriculture to act in instances involving the health of livestock.
SESSION: 2023 Regular Session
SUBJECT: Agriculture
BILL SUMMARY
Current law authorizes the inspection, testing, quarantine, condemnation, and destruction of livestock when there is an outbreak of an infectious or contagious disease. The bill:
Removes the requirement that the inspection, testing, and quarantine of livestock occur pursuant to rules promulgated by the commissioner of agriculture (commissioner);
Moves the authority to condemn and destroy livestock from the state agricultural commission to the commissioner and only when the commissioner, state veterinarian, and governor agree that the condemnation and destruction is justified and necessary for the safety and protection of the livestock of the state; and
Changes the appraisal process that is required before livestock may be condemned and destroyed.
The bill gives the commissioner the authority to investigate all buildings, yards, pens, pastures, and other areas in which any animals are kept, handled, or transported to ensure compliance with the "Livestock Health Act". The commissioner may:
Administer oaths and take statements;
Issue administrative subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses and the production of all books, memoranda, papers, and other documents, articles, or instruments; and
Compel the disclosure by witnesses of all facts known to them that are relevant to the matters under investigation.
Under current law, it is an unlawful act to alter or falsify a health certificate issued for the import of livestock into the state. The bill makes it an unlawful act to alter or falsify a health certificate issued for the export of livestock out of the state.
(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)
Fiscal Note —>