H.R. 2301 would establish a Livestock Identification Board to create and implement a national livestock identification system.
Detailed Summary
Livestock Identification and Marketing Opportunities Act - Establishes the Livestock Identification Board which shall: (1) establish an electronic livestock identification system (livestock system) that is capable of tracing all U.S. livestock from the time of first movement from its original premise to the time of slaughter in less than 48 hours, and tracking all relevant livestock information (identification number, species, date of birth); (2) maintain a centralized livestock data system; and (3) determine the official livestock system identification technology.
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a U.S. premise identification system.
Authorizes the owner of an animal or group of animals that is not subject to the livestock livestock system to voluntarily subject such animal, or group of animals, to system tracking.
Exempts information obtained through the livestock or premise systems from Freedom of Information Act disclosure.
States that information obtained through the livestock or premise systems: (1) may not be released; (2) shall not be considered public domain information; and (3) shall be considered privileged and confidential commercial information.
Authorizes the Board to release livestock or premise system information for reasons of public health or disease or pest control. Requires the Board to release livestock or premise system information to: (1) a livestock owner upon request; (2) the Secretary, a state, or a tribal agency for animal disease surveillance; (3) the Attorney General for criminal investigation or prosecution; (4) the Secretary of Homeland Security for national security; (5) the Secretary of Health and Human Services for public health protection; and (6) a foreign government if necessary to trace livestock threatened by disease or pest, as determined by the Secretary.
Defines "livestock" as cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and poultry.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 5/14/2007: Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
NO NAIS
January 6, 2008, 6:19pm (report abuse)The USDA Animal ID program is a Violation of the constitution. The USDA Animal ID program Calls for WARENTLESS search and seizure of private property. Do not vote to destroy the constitution.
Worried
January 6, 2008, 7:19pm (report abuse)NAIS will do more to harm any livestock owner than it will do good.
Don't vote on an unconstitutional bill. Taking away your rights starts somewhere, don't let it be here!
Jay
September 13, 2008, 1:25pm (report abuse)This is not a constitutional matter at all. Nearly every item in our world today has some form of ID (i.e. Laundry detergent, potatoe chip bags, your pet dog, even Americans (Social Security #). A Livestock ID program is about helping to save our industry in the event of a major animal disease outbreak or terrorist attack. Either of which could devastate our nations population or food supply.