| SB 0657 | Makes it a crime to photograph or release a pathogen or disease into animal research and production facility |
| Sponsor: | Klindt | |||
| LR Number: | 1893S.01I | Fiscal Note: | 1893-01 | |
| Committee: | Agriculture, Conservation, Parks & Natural Resources | |||
| Last Action: | 04/24/03 - SCS Voted Do Pass S Agriculture, Conservation, Parks | Journal page: | ||
| and Natural Resources Committee (1893S.02C) | ||||
| Title: | SCS SB 657 | |||
| Effective Date: | August 28, 2003 | |||
SCS/SB 657 - This act relates to animal research and production facilities and expands the definition of "animal facility" to include an animal farming operation, business or organization that engages in the agricultural production or scientific research, including barns, buildings or other structures.
The act makes it a Class D felony if a person photographs, videotapes or otherwise obtains images without the express written consent of the animal facility, from a location not legally accessible to the public. This act exempts law enforcement officers from these requirements and any information gathered is to be considered a closed record.
This act makes it a Class B felony for a person to intentionally or knowingly release or introduce any pathogen or disease in or near an animal facility that has the potential to cause disease to an animal or that threatens the human health or biosecurity at the animal facility.
This act also gives the Director of the Department of
Agriculture the ability to initiate civil legal action in the
circuit court of the county where the violation occurred.
SARAH MORROW