This bill proposes modifications to the composition and structure of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. The key changes include:

• Expanding the board from seven to eleven members.
• Revising membership criteria:
  • Three members must be livestock producers in Minnesota.
  • One member must be from a federally recognized Tribe in Minnesota with experience in animal husbandry.
  • Three members must be practicing veterinarians licensed in Minnesota, including one specializing in companion animals.
  • Two at-large members.
  • One additional member from a federally recognized Tribe in Minnesota.
  • Eight regional members, ensuring no two come from the same congressional district.
• Requiring members to have knowledge in animal agriculture, animal health, or companion animals.
• Mandating that at least two members represent the public and are not employed in agriculture, veterinary medicine, or related fields.
• Encouraging gender and geographic balance in appointments made by the governor.
• Designating officials from the Departments of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Health, as well as representatives from the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, as board consultants (without voting rights).
• Clarifying the election process for the board president and vice president.
• Requiring the governor to appoint a licensed Minnesota veterinarian as the executive director for a one-year term, with the Board determining their duties.

This bill aims to diversify representation on the board while ensuring expertise in relevant fields.