Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to reorganize the oversight of animal health in Minnesota by abolishing the Board of Animal Health and transferring its responsibilities to the Department of Agriculture. This approach intends to streamline operations and potentially enhance state-wide animal health management.

Main Provisions

• Transfer of Duties: All duties previously managed by the Board of Animal Health will be assumed by the Commissioner of Agriculture. This includes rulemaking and administrative functions related to domestic animal health in Minnesota.

• Animal Health Advisory Council Formation: The bill establishes the Animal Health Advisory Council, which will support the Commissioner in managing and advising on animal health issues. The council will consist of eight members with diverse backgrounds, including livestock producers, a tribal representative experienced in animal husbandry, an epidemiologist, and veterinarians.

• Annual and Quarterly Reporting: The Commissioner is required to publish an annual report about domestic animal health by November 1 each year. Additionally, the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is designated as the official laboratory, with mandatory quarterly activity reports to the Commissioner.

• Advisory Council Appointments: The Governor is responsible for appointing council members, ensuring gender and geographic diversity. The council is tasked with advising the Commissioner and will meet quarterly without an expiration date for its mandate.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Repeal of Existing Statutes: The bill repeals sections of the Minnesota Statutes that previously defined and structured the Board of Animal Health, reflecting the shift in control and advisory responsibilities to the Department of Agriculture.

• Rulemaking Authority Shift: The authority to create rules governing the health of domestic animals is moved from the Board of Animal Health to the Commissioner of Agriculture, consolidating regulatory power within the Department.

Relevant Terms

• Board of Animal Health, Department of Agriculture, Animal Health Advisory Council, Minnesota Statutes, Commissioner, livestock producers, epidemiologist, practicing veterinarians, rulemaking, University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.