Farmed Cervidae premises location data classified as private.
Summary
HF2051 amends Minnesota’s government data practices law to specifically classify farmed Cervidae premises location data as private. The bill narrows an existing exception in the animal premises data statute by excluding farmed Cervidae premises location data collected and maintained under section 35.155 from the general rule that certain Board of Animal Health registration and identification data are private or nonpublic. It also retains the Board’s authority to disclose covered data when disclosure would aid law enforcement or protect public or animal health and safety.
In practical terms, the bill protects the names, addresses, premises locations, and identification numbers associated with farmed Cervidae operations from public release, while preserving limited disclosure authority for public-interest purposes. The change is effective the day after final enactment and would amend Minnesota Statutes section 13.643, subdivision 6.
Impact
The bill would alter Minnesota public records/data practices law by making farmed Cervidae premises location data expressly private, thereby limiting public access to information held by the Board of Animal Health about deer and elk farming premises. This affects farmed Cervidae operators, the Board of Animal Health, and any members of the public seeking premises-location information, while leaving intact the board’s discretion to disclose data for law enforcement or health and safety purposes.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be a targeted, administrative privacy bill with no recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials. The caption and drafting suggest a narrow, technical adjustment rather than a broad policy change, and there is no evidence in the record provided of significant opposition or controversy.
Contention
The main policy tension is between privacy for farmed Cervidae premises operators and public access to animal-premises information. Supporters would likely favor limiting disclosure to protect private business and location information, while any critics would be concerned that restricting access could reduce transparency or make it harder for the public to monitor animal health, disease control, or regulatory compliance. The bill preserves exceptions for law enforcement and public or animal health and safety, which may address some of those concerns.
Board of Animal Health commercial dog and cat breeder data collection classification modification and kennel and dealer advertising requirements modifications
Physical contact between farmed Cervidae and free-roaming Cervidae prevention fencing requirement removal and registration revocation under certain circumstances authority removal
Classification of commercial dog and cat breeder data collected and maintained by the Board of Animal Health modified; kennel and dealer advertising requirements modified; and Board of Animal Health required to post certain kennel, dealer, and commercial breeder information.