Bill > HF2541

This bill abolishes the existing Board of Animal Health and transfers its duties to the Commissioner of Agriculture, while establishing a new Animal Health Advisory Council. The bill creates a new eight-member council appointed by the commissioner, comprising three livestock producers, one Tribal member experienced in animal husbandry, one epidemiologist, and three practicing veterinarians (including one companion animal specialist). The council will advise the commissioner on animal health matters and meet at least quarterly, with the goal of maintaining gender and geographic balance among members. The commissioner will now be responsible for protecting domestic animal health, making necessary rules, publishing an annual report, and working with the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory as the official laboratory. The bill requires the laboratory's director to report quarterly on its activities, and the new provisions will take effect on January 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill instructs the revisor of statutes to update relevant sections of Minnesota Statutes and Rules to reflect these changes, removing obsolete language and making necessary cross-reference adjustments.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2541&ssn=0&y=2025