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Committee clarifies state and Stockmen's Association roles in premises identification program, gives due pass
Summary
Senate Bill 2,087, which clarifies responsibilities for premises identification and the Stockmen's Association's authority to register premises for cattle, horses and mules, received committee approval on a 13–0–1 vote. Witnesses emphasized confidentiality and that registration is voluntary unless required under federal programs.
The House Agriculture Committee approved Senate Bill 2,087, a bill intended to clarify the State Board of Animal Health’s responsibilities and to confirm the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association’s authority related to premises identification (PIN) for cattle, horses and mules. Representative Holt moved the due-pass recommendation, Representative Anderson seconded, and the committee recorded a 13 yes, 0 no, 1 absent vote.
State veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andrus testified for the Board of Animal Health and the Agriculture Commissioner. He told the committee the bill would clarify existing statutory authority and resolve ambiguity about which entities may request premises identification numbers through the USDA APHIS premises management database. Andrus said producers may obtain a PIN voluntarily and that a PIN is required only when a producer participates in certain federal activities or uses official federal identification tags. He pointed to North Dakota Century Code provisions that assign fee authority for brucellosis and identification tags and give the board authority to develop and maintain animal tracking databases for animal health purposes.
Julie Ellingson, representing the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, also testified in support. She described the association’s long-standing statutory role administering the state’s brand inspection program and said the 2002 federal proposals for a National Animal Identification System prompted legislators to preserve a role for the Stockmen’s Association in state statute. Ellingson told the committee the bill does not change responsibilities; it clarifies them and preserves confidentiality protections for producer data.
Practical points: Witnesses explained that the database used for tracking is called USAHerds and that veterinarians and producers may request PINs; the PIN is associated with official federal tags and is required for certain federal programs. Ellingson emphasized confidentiality controls and said the association and the Board work collaboratively on disease-tracing efforts.
Committee action: After testimony and questions, the committee closed the hearing and approved a due-pass recommendation; the motion recorded 13–0–1 in favor.
