Minnesota House Bill HF434

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/25
• Refer: 2/13/25

Caption

Live Cervidae importation to certain accredited facilities allowed.

Summary

HF434 amends Minnesota’s cervid importation law to create targeted exceptions allowing certain live deer-family animals (cervidae) to be imported into the state for accredited zoological and related facilities. Under current law, live cervidae generally may not be imported from states or provinces where chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been detected in the last five years unless strict testing and herd-certification conditions are met. The bill keeps those general disease-control restrictions in place, but exempts transfers between Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited facilities and certain other zoo-related institutions that meet specified federal and accreditation standards. The bill also authorizes the commissioner of natural resources to issue a permit for importing orphaned wild cervid species that are not susceptible to CWD into an AZA-accredited Minnesota institution, after a joint risk-based assessment with the institution. It preserves the commissioner’s authority to seize and destroy cervidae imported in violation of the statute. Overall, the bill narrows the reach of Minnesota’s import ban by carving out controlled pathways for accredited zoos and similar facilities while maintaining the state’s broader CWD biosecurity framework.

Impact

HF434 would amend Minnesota Statutes section 35.155, subdivision 12, by adding exemptions to the state’s restrictions on importing live cervidae and by creating a permit pathway for certain orphaned wild cervid species. The practical effect is to allow more flexibility for AZA-accredited zoos, USDA-licensed exhibitors, and related institutions participating in species survival programs, while leaving the general prohibition and disease-testing requirements intact for most other importers. The bill affects wildlife health regulation, zoo animal transfers, and the commissioner of natural resources’ permitting and enforcement authority.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and available context, the bill appears to be framed as a narrow, technical adjustment rather than a broad policy change. The overall sentiment is likely supportive among zoo and wildlife-care stakeholders who need lawful pathways to move animals between accredited facilities or rescue orphaned animals, while also preserving disease safeguards. No committee transcript or vote record is available here, so there is no evidence of recorded opposition or amendment debate in the provided materials.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely the balance between animal movement for accredited institutions and the risk of spreading chronic wasting disease. Supporters would emphasize the limited, controlled nature of the exemptions, the use of accredited facilities, and the joint risk-based assessment requirement. Potential critics may worry that any exception to Minnesota’s cervid import restrictions could weaken biosecurity protections or create enforcement challenges, especially given the state’s strict approach to CWD. The bill’s carve-outs for zoo transfers and orphaned wild cervids are the most likely areas of debate.