HB 23-1264

House Bill 23-1264 updates Colorado's Livestock Health Act by giving the commissioner of agriculture more flexibility and authority during disease outbreaks. The bill removes specific rule requirements for inspections and changes how livestock are appraised before they can be destroyed if necessary. It also allows the commissioner to investigate facilities where animals are kept, issue subpoenas, and enforce stricter penalties on those who alter health certificates for both importing and exporting livestock. This bill was signed into law by the governor on May 18, 2023, and took effect immediately on that same day.

Official Summary

Current law authorizes the inspection, testing, quarantine, condemnation, and destruction of livestock when there is an outbreak of an infectious or contagious disease. The act: Removes the requirement that the inspection, testing, and quarantine of livestock occur pursuant to rules promulgated by the commissioner of agriculture (commissioner); and Changes the appraisal process that is required before livestock may be condemned and destroyed. The act gives the commissioner the authority to investigate all buildings, yards, pens, pastures, and other areas in which any animals are kept, handled, or transported to ensure compliance with the "Livestock Health Act". The commissioner may: Administer oaths and take statements; Issue administrative subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses and the production of all books, memoranda, papers, and other documents, articles, or instruments; and Compel the disclosure by witnesses of all facts known to them that are relevant to the matters under investigation. Under current law, it is an unlawful act to alter or falsify a health certificate issued for the import of livestock into the state. The act makes it an unlawful act to alter or falsify a health certificate issued for the export of livestock out of the state. APPROVED by Governor May 18, 2023 EFFECTIVE May 18, 2023(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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