DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Chaney HB No. 510
Abstract: Revises the qualifications of the state veterinarian employed by the La. Board of
Animal Health, clarifies the service of suits filed against the board, and provides for the
powers of the state veterinarian.
Present law allows the members of the La. Board of Animal Health (board), upon approval of the
commissioner of agriculture, to employ a director, assistant director, and state veterinarian.
Requires the state veterinarian to serve as executive secretary of the board. Further allows the
commissioner of agriculture to employ other necessary board personnel.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law requires the state veterinarian to be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in La.,
be a graduate of a recognized school of veterinary medicine, and have at least five years of
experience as a veterinarian, of which includes three years of experience in the regulatory control
of livestock disease.
Proposed law retains present law relative to the licensing, educational, and five-year experience
requirements of the state veterinarian but removes present law stipulation that three of the five
years of veterinary experience be in the regulatory control of livestock disease.
Present law requires the board to be domiciled in the city of Baton Rouge and provides that suits
filed against the board are permitted only in East Baton Rouge Parish. Present law further
provides that all service on suits filed against the board are made on the director or any employee
located at the board's office.
Proposed law retains present law domiciliary requirements for the board and the restriction that
all suits filed against the board are permitted only in East Baton Rouge Parish. Proposed law
removes present law provision that all service of suits filed against the board are made on the
director or any employee located at the board's office.
Proposed law provides the state veterinarian with the following powers:
(1)To establish, maintain, and enforce quarantine lines and place restrictions on intrastate
and interstate travel.
(2)To place any livestock in quarantine until necessary inspections, tests, or specific investigations have been completed.
(3)To appoint inspectors to enter premises, to inspect and disinfect livestock premises, and
enforce quarantines.
(4)To make a determination based on the current study of disease risks that additional
requirements are needed to prevent the introduction or spread of disease.
(5)To direct a person to comply with the entry or additional requirements in writing or orally
and confirmed in writing.
(Amends R.S. 3:2092(B) and 2092.1(A); Adds R.S. 3:2092(C) and 2094)