ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Forty-eighth Legislature, First Regular Session
AMENDED
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1428
national animal identification system;
nonparticipation
Purpose
Prohibits the state or any agency or
instrumentality of the state from forcing or mandating participation in the
National Animal Identification System (NAIS).
Background
NAIS
is a federal, voluntary animal tracking program that requires premises
registration and animal identification. It is a federally funded information
system that aids in response to animal disease events in the United States. Currently, 48 states participate in NAIS.
In Arizona, NAIS is managed by the Arizona Department of Agriculture (Department). In FY
2005-2006, the Department focused on premises identification registration and is
now phasing in animal identification tags and microchips as premises
identification is completed. According to the Department, of the estimated
5,170 premises in Arizona, 805, or 15.6 percent, have been registered under the
program. In addition, Mohave, Yuma and Camp Verde fairs require NAIS
registration before an animal may be entered to show.
Branding
requirements for range livestock were enacted into Arizona law in 1905. Currently,
every person who owns range livestock must adopt and record a brand or an
earmark with the Animal Services Division of the Department to identify that
person’s livestock. Sheep must be marked distinctly with a mark or device
sufficient to distinguish them.
The
2006 Legislature passed a bill that allows the Director of the Department to
cooperate with federal agencies in NAIS activities. The bill also determined
that premises registration data, animal identification data and animal tracking
data collected by the Director pursuant to NAIS are not subject to state public
disclosure requirements.
There
will be no fiscal impact to the state General Fund as a result of this bill.
Provisions
1.
Prohibits the Director, Department or any other officer, agency or
instrumentality of Arizona from mandating or forcing participation in NAIS.
2.
Voids and terminates any agreement between an Arizona officer and any
other state or the United States regarding NAIS, animal identification or
registration of premises on which livestock is held.
3.
Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
1.
Eliminates the prohibition of state participation in NAIS but stipulates
that the state cannot mandate or force participation in NAIS.
2.
Reinserts language that provides for the nondisclosure of NAIS data
collected by the Director.
Senate Action
NRRA 2/14/07 DPA 6-1-0-0
Prepared by Senate Research
February 15, 2007
MG/JO/jas
