Bill > HR2185

This bill, known as the "Mink VIRUS Act," aims to prohibit mink farming in the United States to protect public health and safety. The legislation mandates that, one year after enactment, no fur farms may continue to farm mink, and requires that any mink termination be done using painless euthanasia methods approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Farms that fail to cease operations or do not follow proper mink termination guidelines can be fined up to $10,000 per day or per mink. To support farmers transitioning out of the industry, the bill establishes a payment program administered by the Secretary of Agriculture, which will provide compensation for compliance costs and the market value of the mink farming operation. Farmers receiving payments must agree not to use the funds for fur farm operations and must provide a permanent easement prohibiting future fur farming on their property. The bill includes $100 million in funding for this program and provides clear definitions for terms like "fur," "fur farm," and "mink." Importantly, the legislation does not preempt more restrictive state or local regulations regarding mink farming, and it explicitly does not impact budgetary scorecards maintained by government agencies.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2185/all-info