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House Ag Committee recommends due pass for bill removing duplicate video livestock auction license
Summary
The committee recommended a due‑pass on Senate Bill 22-87, which eliminates a duplicative video auction license requirement and maintains existing inspection and payment rules. The measure passed the committee by roll call.
The House Agriculture Committee voted to recommend Senate Bill 22‑87 for a due‑pass after testimony from the bill sponsor and the Department of Agriculture that the separate video auction license is duplicative of existing auction market or livestock dealer licensing.
"The license has provided no protections to livestock industry," Senator Eberly said when explaining the request from the Department of Agriculture, noting that protections such as bonding are handled under the auction market or livestock dealer licenses and that other states do not require a separate video auction license.
Sean Quissell, director of the Grain and Livestock Licensing Division at the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, told the committee that the senator "did such a great job explaining everything that happened" and that the department stands ready to answer questions.
The North Dakota Stockmen's Association supported the bill; Julie Ellingson said auction market and dealer licensing and bonding are important, and the change before the committee is a technical correction.
Sam Wagner of Dakota Resource Council noted broad support but asked the committee to ensure oversight in light of recent industry scandals, asking the committee to "do their due diligence so that, you know, something like this isn't going to happen again." The department said it is monitoring issues.
Representative Holly moved a due‑pass recommendation; Representative Nerick seconded. The clerk called the roll and the committee recorded a unanimous yes vote from members present, and the motion passed. The committee named Representative Holly as the floor carrier.
