SB 538 - This act prohibits the state of Missouri from participating in the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) or any other similar source verification program with the exception of the current cattle-specific state source verification program. It also prohibits programs that are similar to any component of the NAIS, including premises registration, animal identification, or animal movement tracing. The act renders null and void any existing cooperative agreements between Missouri and the federal government or other states that are related to any component or similar component of the NAIS. Immediately upon the act’s effective date, any databases created with any NAIS funding shall be void and shall not be used for any purpose, except for databases created solely for the purpose of addressing specific diseases in specific species of livestock.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture shall immediately notify any person whose premises information had been submitted to the National Premises Information Repository without their full and informed consent and shall also work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expunge Missouri data from the Repository.
The act does not prohibit Missouri from participating in certain disease control programs, brand registration or inspection programs, and does not prohibit private organizations from establishing source verification programs provided they are operated under certain conditions which include disclosure requirements, allowing persons to withdraw and remove their data, and utilizing no public funding.
Participation in an animal identification or premises registration program shall not be a requirement for any essential livestock service or any livestock production incentive. A lack of participation in any such program shall not be cause for denial of any service or benefit and shall not be considered a crime or be evidence of any negligence by a livestock owner or provider.
This act is similar to SS/SCS/SB 428 (2007) and HB 747 (2007).
ERIKA JAQUES