The proposed bill amends the Animal Health and Disease Control Act in Nebraska by introducing new definitions and provisions aimed at enhancing the protection of the state's livestock industry. Notably, it defines "foreign adversary" and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding livestock resources from potential threats posed by foreign entities. The bill also restates legislative findings that underscore the significance of animal health and disease control for Nebraska's economy and cultural interests. Additionally, it clarifies that the Department of Agriculture may utilize USDA standards for disease management among livestock.

A key aspect of the bill is the prohibition of electronic identification devices for livestock that are manufactured by entities with ties to foreign adversaries. It explicitly states that the Department of Agriculture cannot mandate the use of foreign-manufactured electronic identification devices for tracking livestock. This legislative change aims to ensure the integrity and security of Nebraska's livestock production against external threats while harmonizing existing provisions within the law. The bill repeals the original sections of the relevant statutes to incorporate these updates.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 54-2901, 54-2902, 54-2939, 54-2948