The bill modifies the composition and structure of the Board of Animal Health in Minnesota by increasing the number of members from seven to eleven. The new board will consist of two at-large members, one member from a federally recognized Tribe in Minnesota, and eight regional members, ensuring that no two regional members reside in the same congressional district. Additionally, the bill mandates that members must have knowledge in animal agriculture, animal health, or pets and companion animals, with at least two members representing the public and not employed in agriculture or related fields. The bill also specifies that the governor's appointments should aim for gender and geographic balance among board members.

Furthermore, the bill changes the role of certain officials, stating that the commissioners of agriculture, natural resources, and health, along with the dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and the director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Minnesota, shall serve on the board without a vote. It also establishes that the board will elect a president and vice-president from among its members, and the governor will appoint a successor when necessary. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026, applying to appointments made on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 35.02