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Bill Summary · HB 1082

Summary — North Dakota HB 1082 (2025)

Title: An Act to amend and reenact section 36‑25‑01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of farmed elk

Purpose

The bill revises and clarifies the statutory definition of “farmed elk” in Chapter 36‑25 of the North Dakota Century Code. The change is intended to more precisely identify which animals fall under the State’s farmed‑elk regulatory framework and to clarify owner responsibilities.

Key provisions / changes

  • Replaces the existing definition of “farmed elk” with a more specific description. Under the amended Section 36‑25‑01, “farmed elk” means:
    • Mammals of the North American elk genus and species (Cervus canadensis) (with red deer excluded), that are
    • Confined in a manmade enclosure designed to prevent escape, and that are:
    • Raised for fiber, meat, or animal byproducts; or
    • Raised for breeding, exhibition, or harvest; or
    • Maintained for any other purpose.
  • Adds (or reaffirms) a statutory definition of “owner” as a person who owns or is responsible for the raising of farmed elk.

Who is affected

  • Elk producers, breeders, and farm operators (those raising Cervus canadensis in enclosures).
  • Businesses involved in processing or marketing farmed elk products (meat, fiber, byproducts).
  • State regulators: the State Board of Animal Health and the Agriculture Commissioner (who administer animal‑health and permitting requirements under Chapter 36‑25).
  • Veterinarians, animal transporters, exhibition venues, and others subject to disease control, movement, and inspection rules for farmed elk.

Practical impact / policy implications

  • Clarifies regulatory scope — which animals are treated as farmed elk versus wild elk or other cervids (notably red deer). That affects permitting, registration, movement controls, inspections, and compliance with animal‑health rules (for example, disease surveillance or chronic wasting disease protocols).
  • May change who must comply with farmed‑elk reporting, biosecurity, and licensing requirements.
  • Adds legal certainty for enforcement and for owners determining whether their animals are covered by Chapter 36‑25.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced (filed) Nov 12, 2024.
  • First read in the Legislature and referred to committee in January 2025.
  • Passed both chambers (House and Senate) by recorded unanimous votes in early 2025 (House 93–0; Senate 47–0).
  • Bill was enrolled and filed with the Secretary of State on March 14, 2025 (per the enrollment record).

Note: This summary focuses on the amendment to NDCC §36‑25‑01 as provided in the enrollment text. Readers should consult the enacted statute and agency guidance after publication for implementation details and any administrative rules that follow.

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

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