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.
SB 2085 creates a new chapter in Title 4.1 of the North Dakota Century Code to formalize the Agriculture Commissioner’s role in the state’s participation in the United States Swine Health Improvement Plan (USHIP). The bill designates the commissioner as the official state agency representative to work with USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service veterinary services, supervise North Dakota’s participation in the program, and support the plan’s objectives.
The measure also directs the commissioner to promote the welfare and improvement of the swine industry and the marketing of swine and swine products in North Dakota. It authorizes the commissioner to adopt administrative rules as needed to carry out the chapter, giving the agency rulemaking authority to implement the program and related duties.
The bill adds a new statutory framework in Title 4.1 governing state participation in a federal swine health program. It does not create a new regulatory program for all livestock, but it does give the Agriculture Commissioner explicit authority and responsibility to coordinate with federal animal health officials, oversee participation in USHIP, and adopt rules under Chapter 28-32. The practical effect is to strengthen the state’s formal role in swine health certification, disease prevention, and market access for swine producers and processors.
The available legislative record shows strong, unanimous support for the bill. It passed the Senate 47-0 and the House 93-0, with only one House member absent, and there is no recorded committee opposition or floor debate in the provided materials. The lack of dissent suggests broad agreement that the measure is a routine, industry-supportive administrative update rather than a controversial policy change.
No notable contention appears in the provided bill text, vote history, or committee materials. Because the bill is narrowly focused on state participation in a federal swine health improvement program, any concerns would likely have centered on administrative authority or implementation details, but no such objections are documented here. The measure appears to have been treated as a technical and supportive step for the swine industry and animal health coordination.