AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 44, relative to animal health.
Summary
HB2517 amends Tennessee’s animal health laws in Title 44 by defining two new categories of diseases used in animal-health regulation: “monitored disease,” meaning a disease endemic in the United States as listed by USDA, and “notifiable disease,” meaning USDA-listed emergency, emerging, or regulated disease incidents. These definitions give the state a clearer framework for identifying and responding to animal diseases of concern.
The bill also expands the authority of the state veterinarian or other authorized officials to recommend and order tests or vaccinations for animals within Tennessee or imported into the state. Under the amended language, those actions may be taken not only to protect animal health generally, but also to detect or treat notifiable diseases or monitored diseases. The act takes effect immediately upon becoming law.
Impact
The bill updates Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 44, Section 44-2-101 and 44-2-102, by adding disease definitions and broadening the state’s authority to require animal testing and vaccination. Its practical effect is to strengthen the state’s ability to monitor, prevent, and respond to contagious or regulated animal diseases affecting livestock, pets, and imported animals, while giving animal-health officials clearer statutory authority to act.
Sentiment
The legislative history suggests broad support for the bill. It passed the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee unanimously, advanced through the full committee by a 10-3 vote, and then passed the House on third consideration by a wide 81-1 margin. The strong floor vote indicates the measure was generally viewed as a routine animal-health update rather than a controversial policy change.
Contention
The only notable contention appears to have been in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, where three members voted against advancement. The bill text and available history do not show any recorded debate, so the specific objections are not documented here. Based on the final vote pattern, any concerns were limited and did not prevent the bill from moving forward with strong overall support.