Bill > SB2558

This bill amends Tennessee law regarding animal health by redefining the scope of the state commissioner's authority concerning animal testing and vaccinations. Previously, the commissioner could order tests or vaccinations for the general purpose of protecting animal health in Tennessee, but this bill restricts that authority to only those instances where the purpose is to detect or treat a "notifiable disease" or a "monitored disease." A "notifiable disease" is defined as an emergency, emerging, or regulated disease incident listed by the USDA, while a "monitored disease" is one that is endemic (commonly found) in the United States, also as listed by the USDA. While the commissioner's power to *order* tests and vaccinations is narrowed to these specific disease categories, the bill *allows* the commissioner to *recommend* tests or vaccinations for the broader purpose of protecting animal health, whether the animals are within Tennessee or being brought into the state.