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Committee backs updated livestock inspection fee caps after wide testimony
Summary
Senate Bill 101 would raise statutory caps on livestock inspection and related fees; the committee voted unanimously to recommend passage after testimony from the New Mexico Livestock Board, producers and opponents raising equity and tribal-inspection concerns.
Senate Bill 101, which would raise statutory caps on livestock inspection fees, cleared committee with a unanimous due-pass recommendation after extensive testimony from livestock officials, producers and industry associations.
Sponsor Senator Woods and executive staff from the New Mexico Livestock Board told the committee the agency has not increased service fees since 2002 and seeks statutory caps so the board can adjust fees modestly over time. "We are not asking for these fees to be put in place that we immediately go to them. This is just a cap," said Livestock Board Executive Director Belinda Garland, noting statutory limits on annual increases and a required rulemaking process prior to any fee change.
Deputy Director John Davis described operational requirements the board manages, including certified inspectors who now perform law-enforcement functions and brand-recording work. "We have 25,000 brands recorded in the state of New Mexico," he said, citing the agency's role in theft prevention and animal-health inspections.
Industry witnesses largely supported the proposal but urged refinements. Tom Patterson, representing the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, told the committee the board has generally fulfilled its mission and the industry accepts contributing to funding. Northern New Mexico Stockmen representatives asked the committee to allow more negotiation, saying northern producers already shoulder disproportionate inspection burdens because of multiple district lines and long travel between pastures.
Opponents raised concerns about equity for producers in northern counties and for tribal producers subjected to both tribal and state inspections. David Sanchez of Northern New Mexico Stockmen asked the legislature to allow time to resolve issues such as multiple inspections for producers who move animals across district and tribal lines.
Committee questions covered details including brand-record renewal intervals, inspection fees for transport permits and the lifetime validity of some horse permits. Deputy director Davis answered that brand recordings may be renewed on three-, six- or 12-year cycles and that the permanent horse inspection permit is valid for the lifetime of the horse while ownership remains unchanged.
On the motion for a due pass, the committee recorded an 8-0 vote in favor. The statutory fee caps in the bill and the board's rulemaking authority remain subject to later rulemaking and any amendments during floor consideration.
