| 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.
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