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SF 4715

Elk exemption from live Cervidae importation prohibition

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Green and 1 co-sponsor

The bill creates a carve-out allowing import of live elk despite a general Cervidae import ban, under defined conditions and regulatory oversight.

Referred to Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
#agricultureandagriculturedepartment
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Bill Summary · SF 4715

Summary of Bill: SF 4715 (2025-2026) – Elk exemption from live Cervidae importation prohibition (Minnesota)

Purpose and intent

SF 4715 proposes an exemption allowing the importation of live elk (a member of the Cervidae family) despite an existing prohibition on live Cervidae imports. The bill seeks to create a targeted exception to the current prohibition, enabling elk to be imported under specified conditions.

Key provisions and changes

  • Scope of exemption: Establishes a carve-out to Minnesota’s prohibitions on importing live Cervidae by specifically permitting the importation of live elk. The bill defines the animal group (elk) subject to the exemption.
  • Regulatory framework: Likely to rely on the existing animal importation oversight structures (e.g., state agencies responsible for animal health, biosecurity, and wildlife management). While the exact regulatory requirements are not enumerated in the provided text, such exemptions typically accompany associated conditions (permits, health certifications, quarantine requirements, or inspections) to mitigate disease or ecological risk.
  • Limitations and conditions (potential, based on common practice):
    • Possible permit requirement for import.
    • Health certifications or veterinary documentation verifying disease-free status.
    • Quarantine or confinement requirements upon arrival.
    • Compliance with Minnesota Department of Agriculture and/or Board of Animal Health rules.
    • Recordkeeping and reporting obligations for importers.
  • Enforcement and penalties (potential): Noncompliance with the exemption conditions could trigger penalties consistent with other importation violations (fines, seizure, revoke permit, etc.).

Who or what would be affected

  • Importers of elk: Individuals or businesses seeking to bring live elk into Minnesota would be directly impacted, as they would be subject to the exemption’s conditions.
  • Wildlife and agriculture regulators: State agencies responsible for animal health, import controls, and wildlife management would administer, monitor, and enforce the exemption.
  • Other Cervidae stakeholders: Operators or owners of facilities housing elk (e.g., game farms, zoos, private herds) could be affected by the ability to bring in new animals under the exemption.
  • Public health and ecological considerations: The exemption may raise considerations about animal disease risk (e.g., cervid diseases), animal welfare during transport, and potential ecological impacts if new elk populations are introduced or increased through importation.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading: The bill was introduced and read for the first time on March 23, 2026.
  • Referral: The bill was referred to the committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development on March 23, 2026.
  • Sponsors: Primary and co-sponsors include:
    • Co-sponsors: Torrey Westrom, Steve Green

Notes

  • The summary reflects the information available in the bill’s action history and title. Specific text detailing exact conditions, permit processes, fees, reporting requirements, and enforcement mechanisms is not provided in the provided excerpt. For a complete understanding, consulting the bill’s full language and any committee amendments would be necessary.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a particular audience (e.g., policymakers, industry stakeholders, or general public) or add a side-by-side comparison with current law on live Cervidae importation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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