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HF 434

Live Cervidae importation to certain accredited facilities allowed.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Anderson and 1 co-sponsor

Summary of HF 434: Live Cervidae Importation to Accredited Facilities Main Purpose and IntentThe purpose of HF 434 is to allow the importation of live cervidae (deer, elk, moose, e

Author added Anderson, P. H.
#agricultureandagriculturedepartment #animalsandpets
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Bill Summary · HF 434

Summary of HF 434: Live Cervidae Importation to Accredited Facilities

Main Purpose and Intent

The purpose of HF 434 is to allow the importation of live cervidae (deer, elk, moose, etc.) into Minnesota for the purpose of being housed at certain accredited facilities. This would represent a change from the current state law, which generally prohibits the importation of live cervidae.

Key Provisions

  • Permits the importation of live cervidae to facilities that are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) or the Zoological Association of America (ZAA).
  • Requires that any imported cervidae must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection and meet other health requirements.
  • Gives the Minnesota Board of Animal Health authority to adopt rules governing the importation and holding of cervidae at accredited facilities.
  • Specifies that accredited facilities must comply with all applicable state laws and rules related to holding cervidae.

Affected Parties

  • AZA- and ZAA-accredited zoos, aquariums, and other animal facilities in Minnesota that wish to house live cervidae.
  • The Minnesota Board of Animal Health, which would have new regulatory authority over these facilities.
  • Owners and operators of cervidae farms or ranches outside of Minnesota who may seek to sell or transfer live animals to accredited Minnesota facilities.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • HF 434 was introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives on February 17, 2025.
  • The companion bill, SF 739, has also been introduced in the Minnesota Senate.
  • As a bill, HF 434 must go through the full legislative process of committee hearings, floor votes in both chambers, and potential reconciliation between House and Senate versions before it could become law.

Overall, HF 434 represents a targeted change to Minnesota's laws around live cervidae, aiming to allow accredited facilities to import and house these animals while maintaining health and safety requirements. The bill's progress will likely be closely watched by the zoo and aquarium community as well as cervidae industry stakeholders in the state.

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

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