Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to update and modify various regulations related to agriculture in Minnesota. This involves changes to licensing for livestock market agencies and dealers, adjustments to food sampling and demonstration rules at farmers markets or community events, and updates to food certificate payment procedures. The bill also seeks to remove outdated statutes.

Main Provisions

• Livestock Dealer and Market Licensing: The bill mandates that licenses for livestock market agencies and public stockyards must be renewed annually. Separate licenses are necessary for different locations, even if managed by the same entity. It ensures that livestock dealers, and their agents, as well as meat packing company agents, carry their licenses and stresses their responsibility for their agents' actions.

• Surety Bonds and Licensing: Those applying to be livestock market agencies or dealers must submit surety bonds. These bonds can be adjusted by the commissioner to protect public interest. A valid bond is necessary for licensing, and licenses become void if the bond is terminated.

• Refusal, Suspension and Revocation of Licenses: The commissioner can refuse or revoke licenses for non-compliance with bond requirements, financial instability, or failure to maintain accurate livestock scales. Licenses can also be suspended if there's potential for significant harm to business associates due to the licensee's actions.

• Prohibited Conduct: It's illegal to operate as a livestock market agency, dealer, or meat packing company without a valid license or to operate without maintaining a surety bond. Additional violations include using uncertified scales, engaging in deceptive practices, or falsifying records.

• Record-Keeping: Businesses must maintain accurate records of transactions and ownership. The commissioner has the right to inspect these records to ensure compliance.

• Food Sampling at Events: Food sampling at farmers markets must come from approved sources. Raw animal products cannot be served, and cooked samples must be prepared on-site. These activities are exempt from certain licensing requirements.

• Food Certificate Payment: A fee for certificates issued by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture must be paid upfront or within 15 days of billing to avoid restrictions on future requests for certificates.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill repeals outdated provisions related to rabies control (regarding muzzling dogs) and the sale of branded livestock to streamline current agricultural practices.

• It clarifies enforcement responsibilities and retains some existing reporting and record-keeping requirements for livestock transactions and food certificates.

Relevant Terms

livestock dealer, meat packing company, surety bond, license renewal, food sampling, farmers market, food certificate, rabies proclamation, branded livestock.