AN ACT to create and enact a new chapter to title 4.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to participation in the United States swine health improvement plan by the agriculture commissioner.
Summary
SB 2085 creates a new chapter in Title 4.1 of the North Dakota Century Code to authorize and direct the Agriculture Commissioner to oversee the state’s participation in the United States Swine Health Improvement Plan (USHIP). The bill defines “swine” for purposes of the chapter as domestic swine raised for breeding, feeding, or slaughter.
Under the bill, the commissioner is designated as the official state agency to cooperate with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service veterinary services program. The commissioner must supervise North Dakota’s participation in USHIP, promote the welfare and improvement of the swine industry, and support the marketing of swine and swine products in the state. The commissioner is also authorized to adopt rules as needed to carry out the chapter.
Impact
The bill adds a new statutory framework in Title 4.1 governing state participation in a federal swine health program. It gives the Agriculture Commissioner explicit authority and responsibility to coordinate with USDA animal health officials, which may affect swine producers, breeders, feeders, processors, and marketers by formalizing state-level oversight and support for herd health certification and related market access efforts. It also authorizes administrative rulemaking to implement the program.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have received broad, unanimous support throughout the legislative process. It passed the Senate 47-0 and the House 93-0, with only one House member absent, indicating little to no opposition. The available record shows no committee transcript debate, suggesting the measure was viewed as a routine or technical agriculture policy update with clear industry benefits.
Contention
There is no recorded substantive contention in the available materials. The bill’s focus on state cooperation with a federal swine health program and on promoting the swine industry appears to have been noncontroversial. If any concerns existed, they are not reflected in the vote history or the provided committee record, which shows unanimous approval and no documented opposition.
AN ACT to create and enact a new chapter to title 4.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to participation in the United States swine health improvement plan by the agriculture commissioner.
AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 4.1-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to creating a farm management program within the department of agriculture; to amend and reenact section 15-20.1-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the powers and duties of the state board of career at technical education; and to provide an appropriation.