HB 2152

ON APRIL 9, 2026, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED SENATE BILL 2026, AS AMENDED. AMENDMENT #1 r ewrites this bill and present law to require the commissioner of agriculture to establish procedures governing the payment of indemnities for animals destroyed under the authority of the state veterinarian as follows: (1) When the destruction of one or more animals is ordered solely under the authority of the state and not in conjunction with or at the direction of the federal government, indemnity must be paid in accordance with procedures established by the commiss ioner. Indemnity under this (1) is based on the fair market value of the animal at the time of destruction and the availability of state funds appropriated for that purpose. If sufficient funds are not available to pay the full fair market value, then t he commissioner may authorize partial reimbursement. Indemnification may be denied or reduced if the owner is found to be in violation of present law concerning prevention and treatment of animal diseases; and (2) W hen the destruction of one or more animals is ordered by federal authorities or undertaken in conjunction with the federal government, the commissioner shall establish procedures for the payment of indemnities in coordination with the appropriate federal agency. Indemnity in such cases must be administered in a manner consistent with applicable federal law, regulations, cooperative agreements, or funding limitations. The amount and conditions of payment may reflect applicable federal standards and available federal funds .