North Dakota House Bill HB1325

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/25
• Refer: 1/13/25
• Report DNP: 2/13/25

Caption

Positive detections of chronic wasting disease.

Impact

If enacted, the provisions of HB1325 are expected to substantially impact the state's regulations around wildlife management, particularly in relation to tracking and reporting CWD. By requiring ongoing public disclosure of CWD cases, the bill aims to promote better awareness and potentially better response strategies regarding wildlife diseases. This could assist conservation efforts and impact the management strategies employed by state agencies, thereby ensuring that public health and ecological concerns are effectively addressed.

Summary

House Bill 1325 seeks to amend and reenact section 20.1-02-04 of the North Dakota Century Code, specifically targeting the management and reporting protocols concerning positive detections of chronic wasting disease (CWD). The bill mandates that the relevant department maintains accurate records and publishes information regarding CWD detections over a span of four years. This is intended to enhance transparency and provide the public with accessible information related to wildlife health and disease control.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB1325 might arise primarily from differing opinions on how best to handle wildlife disease reporting. Proponents argue that the legislation will advance public health initiatives and transparency in state wildlife management, fearing that a lack of information can undermine conservation efforts and species health. Conversely, critics may express concerns regarding the increased regulatory burden on state agencies or the potential for misinformation about wildlife populations. The ongoing discussion is focused on balancing public interest with practical governance in wildlife management.