Assembly Bill 552 aims to enhance the management and research efforts related to chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids, which include deer and elk. The bill authorizes the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct research on CWD, in addition to its existing responsibilities for managing and funding testing for the disease. To support these efforts, the bill appropriates $3,000,000 annually from the general fund for the fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27, marking the first time state funds will be allocated for this purpose.

The bill includes specific amendments to current statutes, such as the creation of a new section (20.370 (1) (he)) dedicated to chronic wasting disease management and the amendment of existing sections to reflect the new funding and research capabilities. Notably, the title of section 20.370 (1) (hs) is updated to include "fees," and the language in section 29.063 (1) is modified to explicitly allow for research on CWD, replacing the previous wording that limited the DNR's role to management and funding for testing.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 20.370(1)(hs)(title), 20.370, 29.063(1), 29.063