Bill > HB1086

This bill modifies Tennessee's laws regarding animal health and disease control by making three key changes: First, it requires the commissioner of agriculture and state veterinarian to obtain prior approval from the joint government operations committee before ordering any animal vaccinations or tests, which adds an additional layer of legislative oversight to disease prevention efforts. Second, the bill removes a previous requirement regarding the liability of animal owners for the sanitary disposal of dead animals, effectively eliminating that legal obligation. Third, the bill clarifies the procedures for providing indemnities (financial compensation) when animals are destroyed under official authority, specifying that compensation will be based on factors such as the animal's value and available funding, with the commissioner empowered to establish specific rules for such payments. These changes aim to modify existing animal health regulations by introducing more legislative control, reducing owner responsibilities, and providing more flexible guidelines for compensating owners when animals are destroyed for health or safety reasons. The bill will take effect immediately upon becoming law.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1086&ga=114