Bill > S2024

This bill establishes a licensing program within the Department of Agriculture for "Cervidae livestock operations," which are defined as normal agricultural activities involving the production, breeding, or marketing of cervids. "Cervids" are broadly defined to include various deer species like elk, moose, and reindeer, as well as their hybrids and genetic material. The bill designates farmed cervids as agricultural livestock, subject to state laws governing such animals, and requires these operations to comply with federal standards for Chronic Wasting Disease Herd Certification. To obtain a license, applicants must undergo inspections of their facilities, ensuring adequate fencing (at least eight feet high) and sanitary conditions, and demonstrate the ability to operate in compliance with the law. Existing operations licensed by the Department of Environmental Protection will receive provisional licenses and must be fully licensed by the Department of Agriculture within one year. Licenses will be valid for two years and renewable if the operation remains in compliance. The bill also outlines requirements for record-keeping and documentation when moving cervids or cervid products, and clarifies that the Department of Environmental Protection will no longer regulate licensed Cervidae livestock operations, though it retains authority over wild cervids and those not part of a licensed operation.