This bill focuses on enhancing animal health regulations for farmed Cervidae, particularly white-tailed deer. It introduces several key provisions, including the declassification of certain data related to farmed Cervidae premises, modifications to registration requirements, and the establishment of civil liability for herd owners. The bill mandates live-animal testing for chronic wasting disease (CWD) and shifts specific responsibilities from the Board of Animal Health to the commissioner of natural resources. New fencing requirements for commercial herds are also established, along with protocols for owners regarding escaped animals and the handling of those testing positive for CWD. Notably, the bill prohibits new registrations for possessing white-tailed deer, with exceptions for family transfers, and requires annual CWD testing for herd owners.

Additionally, the bill appropriates funds for the University of Minnesota to develop contingency plans addressing the potential transmission of CWD to humans and other species. It specifies that the Board of Animal Health will continue to oversee regulations for all other farmed Cervidae, while the responsibility for white-tailed deer will transition to the commissioner of natural resources by July 1, 2025. The bill also includes provisions for the revisor of statutes to update relevant sections in Minnesota Statutes and Rules to reflect these changes. The effective dates for various provisions are set for September 1, 2023, and September 1, 2024, with some sections taking effect immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 13.643, 35.155, 35.156
1st Engrossment: 13.643, 35.155, 35.156
2nd Engrossment: 13.643, 35.155, 35.156
3rd Engrossment: 13.643, 17.118, 35.155, 35.156
1st Engrossment: 13.643, 35.155, 35.156
2nd Engrossment: 13.643, 35.155, 35.156
3rd Engrossment: 13.643, 17.118, 35.155, 35.156