Video & Transcript Research : 'cervid importation'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture Committee Meeting - 2026-04-08
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- File 45508 would allow the importation File 45508 would allow the importation of<00:56:47.839>
- In 2024, the Minnesota legislature relaxed importation requirements for hunters bringing in whole cervid
- In 2025, lawmakers created a pathway for accredited zoos to import live cervids with appropriate safeguards
- <00:57:57.440>
and the border to elk importation and the border to elk importation and eliminated- relaxed importation legislature relaxed importation requirements<00:59:11.520>
for <00:59:11.760
Keywords:
energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, elk, cervidae, cervid importation, chronic wasting disease, CWD, animal health, livestock, wildlife disease, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, state veterinarian, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- As the current exemption allows zoological facilities to import cervids into the state as a woman-owned
- As the current exemption allows zoological facilities to import cervids into the state as a woman-owned
- I think that's really important.
- This bill is an important bill, I think.
- this and it is really really important this and it is really really important issue<01:43:28.320
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AEN-TRS, EDT-AEN, AEN DEFER, AEN Public Hearings 02-13-2026
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- so which is the cornerstone of imports so which is the cornerstone of biocurity<00:01:59.759>
uh< - Thank you for your time and attention to this important legislation. Aloha.
- Thank you for your time and attention to this important legislation. Aloha.
- Thank you for your time and attention to this important legislation.
- Thank you for your time and attention to this important legislation. Aloha. Thank you.
Keywords:
biosecurity, Department of Agriculture, quarantine, Akamai Arrival Program, importation regulations, pests control, plant health, animal health, compliance mechanisms, environmental review, transportation projects, NEPA, state sovereignty, federal compliance, streamlining, Hawaii Department of Transportation, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The hearing began with SB 2709, which would require the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish rules to enforce the Okami arrival program and strengthen quarantine enforcement for plants, non-domestic animals, and microorganisms. The Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the bill, as did DAB, saying it would improve biosecurity and make some provisions mandatory rather than optional. Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines supported the goal but raised concerns about language changing inspections from “may” to “shall” for aircraft, warning of possible federal preemption and operational conflicts unless the bill is clarified to align with federal aviation safety, security, and operational requirements. Committee members questioned DAB about inspection timing, scope, and compliance; DAB said the measure is intended to increase enforcement, improve form completion rates toward a 90% goal, and expand beyond airlines to other entry modes, while also noting plans to restore detector dog use and improve software/AI tools for processing forms. Decision-making on SB 2709 was deferred to February 17 at 3:02 p.m. in Room CR229.
The committees then took up SB 3154, an administration measure authorizing the Department of Transportation to assume certain National Environmental Policy Act responsibilities for highway, rail, public transportation, and multimodal projects, with the aim of streamlining environmental review. DOT supported the bill and explained that it would allow the department to work directly with federal resource agencies such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife and SHPO rather than routing everything through federal highways. After brief discussion, the Committee on Transportation voted to pass SB 3154 with technical amendments, and the AEN committee followed with the same recommendation; the measure was adopted with five votes in favor.
A later portion of the transcript shifted to SB 2374 on the blue economy. DBED said it supported the concept but noted that it already sits on many working groups and would need resources if a new working group is created. DBED suggested the committee could instead request research through a letter or memo, and said agencies including ADC, HTDC, and Agriculture had already begun internal discussions. Testimony in support came from IMUA Alliance, Hawaii Food Policy, and others, emphasizing the potential for blue economy ventures to support survivors, align with climate and cultural goals, and create economic opportunity. No final vote on SB 2374 appears in the excerpt.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Agriculture and Forestry Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Agriculture and Forestry
Transcript Highlights:
- the health... organization in the state, and the health of the deer herd in Alabama is extremely important
- That's important to us.
- The second thing that's important to us is that the deer resource is a public trust resource that belongs
- to all of us, and that principle... belongs to all of us, and that principle is extremely important
- I think that... ...important industry. I think that shows some disrespect for that.
Bills:
HB509
Keywords:
HB509, game breeder, game breeder license, cervid, deer breeder, whitetail deer, elk, fallow deer, deer farm, captive deer, cervidae, wildlife disease, disease testing, antemortem testing, state veterinarian, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, property rights, private property, animal transfer, breeding stock
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Apr 22nd, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Keywords:
deer breeding, chronic wasting disease, wildlife management, release site, landowner rights, TCEQ, environmental quality, administrative actions, public notice, legislative oversight, water supply, Angelina and Neches River Authority, ownership transfer, public utilities, Certificate of Convenience and Necessity, public health, cervid resistance, research study, wildlife regulation, criminal offenses
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Wed Feb 4, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- There is no can't be imported.
- imported and sold at nurseries. imported and sold at nurseries.
- <01:03:34.240>
of Hawaii to prevent the importation of Hawaii to prevent the importation of - uh being proposed about importation. uh being proposed about importation. there's<01:17:49.199><
- <01:25:38.000>
requires relating to animal importation requires relating to animal importation
Keywords:
agriculture, sugarcane, permitting process, land use, conservation district, diversified agriculture, economic impact, invasive species, plant sales, weed risk assessment, consumer protection, environmental impact, workforce development, biosecurity, training program, partnerships, tax credit, Hawaiian home lands, investment costs, nonrefundable
Summary:
The committee heard opening remarks and then took testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 2425 would exempt agricultural enterprises on former commercial sugarcane lands in conservation use districts from certain permitting and site plan requirements. The Department of Agriculture supported the measure and stood on written comments. The Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the intent but said the bill appeared to cite the wrong statute and suggested amending the conservation district law instead. Other testimony was generally supportive, while some witnesses raised concerns about using the right statutory vehicle. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be redirected through a different chapter.
The committee then heard HB 596, which would require retail sellers of plants to disclose invasiveness risk, direct the Invasive Species Council to create a labeling system and weed risk assessments, and establish fines. The Department of Land and Natural Resources strongly supported the bill, saying point-of-sale labels would help consumers make informed choices. Supporters from the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species said the state’s noxious weed and restricted plant lists are outdated or incomplete and that the bill would help prevent harmful species from being purchased and planted. Opponents, including the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, argued the measure was too broad, could stigmatize plants and producers, and might be better implemented through voluntary education or narrower definitions. Committee discussion focused on possible amendments, including using printable labels from a website and limiting the bill to larger commercial retailers.
HB 2573 would create a five-year agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program involving the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Leeward Community College, and the Department of Human Resources Development. DHRD said it supported the intent but wanted clearer responsibilities; the University of Hawaiʻi, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, and others supported the proposal. DAB said the program would help build needed biosecurity staffing and training, and that law-enforcement-related curriculum could be incorporated. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 207, which would expand the important agricultural land qualified agricultural tax credit to include certain Hawaiian homelands and additional agricultural costs such as orchards, fruit crops, and clearing former sugar and pineapple lands. The Department of Taxation and DAB stood on written comments, while the Department of Hawaiian Homelands strongly supported the bill, calling it a potential game-changer for developing agricultural lands and offsetting infrastructure costs; the department also asked that the credit be broadened beyond agriculture alone.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- And the bill also codifies the requirements of an alcoholic importer from another state when they import
- ><00:10:36.720>
alcohol of an alcoholic uh of an alcohol of an alcoholic uh of an alcohol importer - 37.839>
another <00:10:38.160>state <00:10:38.959>when <00:10:39.279>they importer - from another state when they importer from another state when they import<00:10:40.079>
alcohol
Keywords:
contract review, legislative oversight, state agencies, funding transparency, professional services, Sheriff, Barbour County, law enforcement, qualifications, training, executive education, Covington County, Alabama constitutional amendment, local amendment, carbon dioxide sequestration, carbon capture and storage, CCS, Class VI well, underground injection well, Underground Injection Control Program
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Apr 22nd, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The study also investigates cervid genetic resistance. to CWD using genotype analysis to explore whether
Keywords:
deer breeding, chronic wasting disease, wildlife management, release site, landowner rights, TCEQ, environmental quality, administrative actions, public notice, legislative oversight, water supply, Angelina and Neches River Authority, ownership transfer, public utilities, Certificate of Convenience and Necessity, SB 2801, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Parks and Wildlife Code, field trial permit, hunting dog field trial
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House agriculture panel lays over bill exempting elk from state's Cervidae importation ban Apr 8th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2024, the Minnesota legislature relaxed importation requirements for hunters bringing in whole cervid
- major changes to Minnesota's farm cervid major changes to Minnesota's farm cervid industry,<00:01
- industry, including a ban on importing industry, including a ban on importing animals<00:01:44.000
- relaxed importation legislature relaxed importation requirements<00:03:12.600>
for <00:03:12.760 - to statute prohibiting importation. to statute prohibiting importation.
Summary:
Representative Heintzeman presented House File 4508, which would allow the importation of elk from other states into Minnesota to help address challenges facing the state’s elk breeding industry and improve herd genetics. The Minnesota Elk Breeders Association supported the bill, arguing that recent CWD-related import restrictions have effectively cut off access to outside breeding stock, hurt breeder numbers, and limited options for maintaining healthy, profitable herds. The group said elk are relatively resistant to CWD and that importation could be allowed under Board of Animal Health oversight.
The Minnesota DNR opposed the bill, saying there is no validated live test for CWD that can ensure incoming animals are disease-free and pointing to recent cases in other states where imported elk later tested positive. The DNR also said federal herd certification programs have not prevented spread of the disease and warned that responding to a new captive cervid detection can cost more than $500,000. Members then discussed broader issues around CWD testing, including frustration that a live test developed at the University of Minnesota has not been federally validated and whether Minnesota should pursue state or third-party validation.
Representative Heintzeman said the bill was intended to start a broader conversation and noted that the current proposal does not address the testing issue directly. After testimony and discussion, no vote was taken and House File 4508 was laid over.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't think a lot of people realize just how important this is and how detrimental time can be in this
- The department's already got the ability to regulate captive cervids, so within a farming operation,
- to the extent there was an animal emergency related to those cervids, this would be relevant to that.
- , so within a farming operation, cervids, so within a farming operation, to<00:10:35.600>
the < - ,<00:10:39.520>
this emergency related to those cervids, this emergency related to those cervids
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture Committee Meeting - 2025-03-24
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- This may seem like a complicated slide, but it's very important.
- Russia and Belarus are the next largest suppliers, importing to us at about 15%.
- So I've been asked, why is it important to blend these products?
- It's important.
- So this is an important component of the broad CWD effort.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Fish and Game and Marine Resources (02/12/2025)
Fish and Game and Marine Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, you can't import live non-native cervids screened for CWD yet.
- Currently, you can't import live non-native cervids screened for CWD yet.
- Currently, you can't import live non-native cervids screened for CWD yet.
- We have importation restrictions on CWD-susceptible cervids.
- We have importation restrictions on CWD-susceptible cervids.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- This may seem like a complicated slide, but it's very important.
- This may seem like a complicated slide, but it's very important.
- find alternatives to traditional imported fertilizers.
- <00:19:07.799>
it here to tell you today how important it here to tell you today how important - This is an important component of a broad CWD effort.
Keywords:
HF1621, CelluComp, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, appropriation, grant, commercialization, fiber-based barrier packaging, packaging materials, PFAS, perfluoroalkyl substances, polyfluoroalkyl substances, plastic reduction, sustainable packaging, environmental health, materials innovation, bio-based packaging, food packaging, agriculture finance, one-time grant, state subsidy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 4/15/26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:02:56.520>
aspect which I think is a very important aspect which I think is a very important - , and that's a farm land very important, and that's a farm land transition<00:12:25.800>
program. - But I think it's really important and we... Representative Anderson. Representative Anderson.
- And so, we think it's important to get the ban on paraquat. We have provided some options.
- And so, we think it's important to get the ban on paraquat. We have provided some options.
Bills:
HF3548
Summary:
The Agricultural Finance and Policy Committee met on April 15, 2026, approved the April 13 minutes with a correction to Assistant Commissioner Peter Kesset’s name, and then took up House File 3548. The bill, moved by Chair Anderson for re-referral to Ways and Means, centered on the farmer down payment assistance program and the Department of Agriculture’s budget and policy provisions. Anderson described the DE4 amendment as compromise language that reserved up to 25% of funds for applicants with purchase contracts, removed a proposed marijuana exclusion, and allowed appropriated funds to remain available through June 30, 2030 rather than reverting to the general fund at the end of the biennium. Laura Schreiber of the Land Stewardship Project testified in support, emphasizing the importance of keeping funds available and urging that grants remain capped at $20,000 so more farmers could participate.
The committee then adopted several amendments. A23, described as the governor’s budget request and department policy bill, was adopted and included moving the Emerging Farmers Office into the Agricultural Marketing and Development subdivision, combining some reports into the Agri report, and addressing delegated authority with MDA. A17, allowing certain eggs past their quality assurance date to be donated to food shelves under specific handling requirements, was adopted. A18, adjusting per diem rates for certain non-representative committee members, was adopted. A19, shifting about $20,000 to support farm land transition services such as mediation, contracts, financial planning, tax preparation, estate planning, and housing assistance, was also adopted.
A22, which combined funding for wolf depredation claims and the local food purchasing program, drew the most debate. Representative Smith questioned why the two items were combined and sought to divide the amendment, but staff said that would be problematic because the funding changes were interdependent. Supporters said the amendment would pay about 80% of wolf-loss claims and add money for local food purchasing, while opponents argued the local food need was greater and the wolf depredation approach was not the best use of funds. The roll call on A22 was confusing in the transcript, but the amendment ultimately prevailed. A21, which would have removed a physical-contact requirement for farm cervidae containment, failed on a 7-7 tie after opponents argued it would weaken disease protections and supporters said the fencing costs were driving deer farmers out of business. Hansen then declined to move A24, which would have advanced a paraquat ban, saying there was no agreement and he did not want a negative vote at that time.
After the DE4 as amended was adopted, the committee took a final roll call on House File 3548 as amended. The bill failed on a 6-8 vote and was laid over. In closing, members on both sides said the bill contained useful provisions for farmers, but disagreement over the unresolved paraquat issue prevented the committee from advancing it.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 27th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII
Transcript Highlights:
- It's important. Sure, absolutely.
- Hence, water and produced water is really important, and finding some long-term solutions are important
- and finding some long term solutions are important this session. 333 And important for industry and
- Most of the funding in the cervid health program goes toward chronic wasting disease.
- And the other part that's important, really important for everybody to keep in mind related to milk is
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present to hear Article VI Natural Resources agency budget recommendations, beginning with the Railroad Commission. LBB staff summarized the commission’s 2026-27 base recommendation at $458.7 million, down from the prior biennium, with an increased FTE cap. The presentation highlighted reduced federal IIJA funding, volatility in oil and gas regulation account 5155, continued support for IT modernization, and rider changes. The commission’s major exceptional items were then presented, including requests for produced water and injection data reporting, an authorized pit registration system, regulatory filing/permitting upgrades, an underground injection well investigation team, site remediation support, and especially $100 million for orphan well plugging. Members asked about biennium-to-biennium comparisons, salary biennialization, the scale of orphan well risks, federal funding delays, bonding, and whether the state should rely more on industry or general revenue for plugging costs. Commission leadership explained that orphan wells can threaten water and public safety, that plugging costs have risen sharply, and that current funding is insufficient to keep up with emergency wells and the backlog; they also said the agency is moving to cloud-based systems with cybersecurity protections and that the proposed performance measure may need adjustment if funding does not increase.
The Railroad Commission testimony was followed by LBB and agency testimony for the Texas Animal Health Commission. LBB described a $42 million recommendation for 2026-27, an increase overall, but with a reduced FTE cap due to turnover and salary reallocation. The recommendation maintained funding for cattle fever tick work, chronic wasting disease, lab testing through an MOU with Texas A&M’s veterinary diagnostic lab, and a new $5 million spay-and-neuter pilot program, while deleting a capital budget rider and adjusting riders tied to entry point inspection stations and clinical trials. Agency leadership then outlined the commission’s mission to protect livestock health and the state’s $22 billion animal industry, and described major disease threats including highly pathogenic avian influenza, cattle fever ticks, New World screwworm, and chronic wasting disease. Their exceptional items focused on recruiting and retaining veterinarians, replacing fleet vehicles, creating an ectoparasite identification lab, adding field staff and IT support, improving records and epidemiology reporting, strengthening central administration, supporting secure food supply planning, expanding chronic wasting disease work, and staffing the new spay-and-neuter program. Members asked about field identification of ticks, the use of disinfectants and PPE, fleet management, the scale of cattle fever tick risk, and chronic wasting disease; the agency explained its current inspection and lab-confirmation process, its reliance on field disinfecting and biosecurity, and the need for more staff and better data systems to keep pace with growing workloads and disease threats.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, I think that's important.
- That's really important to us, absolutely. Okay. That's it. Senator Campbell.
- It is important that we get our... ability to understand what's there.
- It is important where the money comes from, Senator Nichols.
- Wildlife is as important as the parks themselves.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Chronic Wasting Disease TF Jan 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I know LSU's relationship with Mississippi State is very important.
- So the surveillance is of critical importance.
- So I think being able to look way down the line is important.
- We know soil type, you know, can be important.
- We don't know how important, you know, all of the aspects of plants.
Summary:
The meeting began with roll call, adoption of the agenda, and approval of the prior minutes. The main presentation was from Julie Grenwald of Louisiana Hunters for the Hungry, who described the nonprofit’s protein donation programs, including freezer clean-out days, deer and fish processing partnerships, and a paused feral hog donation program that had collected about 3,500 hogs and 137,000 pounds of pork before funding ran short. She said the group has donated roughly 300,000 pounds of protein over two years, works with food banks and local agencies, and is protected under Louisiana’s Good Samaritan Law. Members asked about processor locations, exotic species, signage, sponsorships, and whether the program could expand to other invasive species or mobile drop-off options; Grenwald said expansion is possible if processors and funding are available.
The task force then received a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries update from Jonathan Bordelon on chronic wasting disease testing. He reported more than 2,800 samples collected and over 2,300 results returned, with nine positives total: eight in Tensas Parish and one confirmed in Concordia Parish on Richard K. Yancey WMA, which triggered preparation of an emergency declaration and future rulemaking to adjust the control area. He said harvest and sampling remain near record levels, most samples are voluntary, and the agency continues to monitor symptomatic deer reports and public submissions.
The final major presentation was from William McKinley of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, who gave a detailed overview of Mississippi’s CWD response. He said Mississippi has 529 detections across 18 counties, with prevalence rising from about one in 500 samples to about one in 80 statewide, and much higher in some counties. He described Mississippi’s surveillance system, targeted tags within three miles of positives, environmental sampling, feeder bans in CWD zones, and research showing contamination at feeders and in scrapes. He also discussed possible multiple strains, including one linked to the Wisconsin whitetail strain and another around Vicksburg/Issaquena, and said the disease appears to be expanding about 3.5 miles per year. Members asked about high-fence enclosures, live deer movement restrictions, baiting and feeding rules, hunter participation, and whether Louisiana should develop similar environmental testing capacity; no votes were taken on these issues, but members discussed possible future legislative or budget action.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture committee considers HF40 3/24/25
Transcript Highlights:
- The most important thing about this is when we turn to the last page, and you should have this in your
- Fear continued: “The most important thing about this is when we turn to the last page, and you should
- I think it's important to note that, you know, at least some of them are trying to get into compliance
- :17:45.039>
you <00:17:45.200>know, <00:17:45.440>at important to note that, you - know, at important to note that, you know, at least<00:17:45.760>
some <00:17:46.000>of
Summary:
House File 40, authored by Representative Burkel, was heard and laid over. The bill would remove the statutory requirement that farmed deer/elk facilities maintain a physical barrier preventing contact with wild deer, and it would also strike language allowing revocation of registration and seizure/destruction of animals for fencing or escape violations. Burkel argued the current law is unfair to deer farmers, treats them differently than other livestock producers, and amounts to a regulatory taking of a legal agricultural enterprise.
Supporters from the Minnesota Elk Breeders Association and Minnesota Deer Farmers Association said the 2023 secondary-fence requirement is expensive, difficult to implement on long-established properties, and has pushed some breeders out of the industry. They described costs ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, said the DNR’s guidance is case-by-case and unclear, and argued that the penalty structure is too harsh for what they view as minor or unavoidable escape incidents. One testifier said the industry is being driven out of business and that the state should help pay for the fencing if it remains required.
The DNR opposed the bill. Its enforcement representative said the physical-contact barrier is intended to reduce the risk of chronic wasting disease transmission and that removing penalties would leave little incentive for compliance. He said the agency continues to work with the roughly 10 noncompliant whitetail farms and that the DNR provides case-by-case review because farm topography varies. In committee questions, members discussed whether wild deer commonly travel along fence lines, whether ear-tagged deer have been found, and whether there is a standard approved fence design; the DNR said there is no single standard fence, only suggestions and review. Representative Burkel closed by reiterating his support for the bill and the committee then laid it over.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 01/29/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Another important point, as Brent mentioned and you've heard from Ms.
- Another important point, as Brent mentioned and you've heard from Ms.
- An entry into premises by free-roaming cervids and physical contact between farm cervids and free-roaming
- cervids.
- So I’m striking in physical contact between farm cervids and free-roaming cervids, and we have scientific
TX