Assembly Bill 551 aims to enhance the management and testing for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids, such as deer and elk, by requiring the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to establish and administer a program for chronic wasting disease sampling stations. This program will include self-service kiosks where hunters can drop off deer carcass parts for testing. The bill allocates $1,000,000 for the 2025-27 fiscal biennium to support this initiative and allows DNR to contract with private entities for sampling services, compensating them per sample taken.

The bill amends current law by adding a new section, 29.063 (7), which specifically outlines the responsibilities of the DNR regarding the establishment of CWD sampling stations. Additionally, it modifies the existing appropriation under 20.370 (1) (mu) to include funding for the chronic wasting disease sampling station program. The fiscal changes include an increase of $500,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to support this program.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 20.370(1)(mu), 20.370