The fee collection for the cost of each brucellosis tag, each identification tag, and each health book the commissioner distributes.
Impact
If passed, this legislation would enhance the operational capability of the State Board of Animal Health by ensuring that it has the necessary resources to conduct inspections and provide certification services for livestock producers and processors. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining animal health standards and the prevention of infectious diseases, which are critical to the agricultural sector in North Dakota. The fees collected under this bill will support the ongoing activities required for monitoring and regulating animal health, thereby promoting safer agricultural practices.
Summary
House Bill 1101 aims to amend and reenact sections of the North Dakota Century Code that pertain to fee collections for tags and health books related to livestock. Specifically, the bill updates the provisions concerning the costs associated with issuing brucellosis tags, identification tags, and health books distributed by the agriculture commissioner. The purpose of the amendments is to streamline the fee collection process and ensure that the funds are effectively appropriated to support ongoing animal health initiatives within the state.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HB1101 appears to be positive, with bipartisan support reflected in the voting history, with votes recorded as yeas 89 in the House and yeas 45 in the Senate. Legislators recognize the importance of reliable funding for animal health management and seem to acknowledge the necessity of these amendments in addressing current challenges in the agricultural sector. The focus on animal health is seen as vital to protecting the interests of livestock producers and ensuring public health standards are met.
Contention
While the bill has garnered broad support, discussions may arise around the specifics of fee structure and the potential implications for smaller livestock producers. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the burden of additional fees or the transparency of the fee allocation process. However, there appears to be a consensus on the necessity of this bill to foster an effective animal health framework aimed at safeguarding agricultural resources in North Dakota.
The salaries of the public service commissioners, the transfer and distribution of funds in the highway tax distribution fund, and siting process administrative fees; to provide a transfer; and to declare an emergency.
The insurance commissioner assuming the duties of the securities commissioner; to provide for a transfer; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.