Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this legislative bill is to modify the structure and composition of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. This is aimed at enhancing representation and expertise within the board to better address animal health issues in the state.

Main Provisions

• Board Expansion: The bill proposes increasing the number of board members from seven to eleven.
• Member Composition:
  • It specifies that three members must be livestock producers.
  • One member must be from a federally recognized Tribe in Minnesota with experience in animal husbandry.
  • Three members should be practicing veterinarians licensed in Minnesota, with one specializing in companion animals.
  • There will be two at-large members.
  • Eight members will be regional, with no more than one member from the same congressional district.
• Diversity and Knowledge Requirements: Members should have knowledge in fields such as animal agriculture, animal health, or companion animals. Appointments must strive for gender and geographic balance.
• Public Representation: At least two board members should represent the public and must not be employed in agriculture, veterinary medicine, or related fields.
• Consultants: The commissioners of agriculture, natural resources, and health, along with academic professionals, will serve as non-voting consultants to the board.
• Appointments and Leadership: The governor will appoint a non-board veterinarian as the executive director for a one-year term. The board is responsible for electing a president and vice-president and determining the director's duties.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Board Composition: The increase in membership and the specific categories from which members are drawn represent a significant change to the existing makeup of the Board of Animal Health.
• Consultant Roles: The addition of specific consultants from state departments and educational institutions formalizes an advisory structure.
• Leadership and Governance: The introduction of an appointed executive director who is not a member of the board centralizes some leadership functions.

Relevant Terms

• Board of Animal Health
• Livestock producers
• Animal husbandry
• Companion animals
• Federally recognized Tribe
• Veterinarians
• Geographic balance
• Public representation
• Executive director