A01274 Summary:

BILL NO    A01274 

SAME AS    No same as

SPONSOR    Markey

COSPNSR    

MLTSPNSR   

Add S89-a, Ag & Mkts L

Authorizes the commissioner to cause appropriate testing by veterinarians for
ascertaining the presence or absence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy,
commonly known as mad cow disease; provides for the immediate disposal of such
animals as the commissioner may prescribe; further entitles the owner of such
animal to indemnity if slaughtered.

A01274 Actions:

BILL NO    A01274 

01/07/2009 referred to agriculture
01/06/2010 referred to agriculture

A01274 Votes:

A01274 Memo:

 BILL NUMBER:  A1274

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in
relation to the examination of cattle for bovine spongiform
encephalopathy or mad cow disease

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :
Section 1. The agriculture and markets law is amended by adding a new
section 89-a.

The commissioner, within the amounts appropriated for such purpose,
may cause an appropriate test for ascertaining the presence or absence
of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as the
here-after termed "mad cow disease," to be made by competent and
authorized veterinarians. If, from such examination or test, any
animal be deemed by the commissioner to be infected with mad cow
disease such animal shall be disposed of as the commissioner may
prescribe.

No animal showing evidence of mad cow disease as a result of the
official test shall be sold.

In the case of a bovine animal killed on account of positive reaction
to mad cow disease, the owner shall, in the discretion of the
commissioner, and within the amount appropriated for such purpose, be
entitled to receive indemnity.

The commissioner may, in his or her discretion at the request of the
owner, order the slaughter of non-reactor animals.

The commissioner may, in his or her discretion, order the slaughter of
any animal, or of all or part of any herd.

Final payment of state moneys due the owner of animals slaughtered as
set forth in this subdivision shall be made within sixty calendar days
after the order is signed by the commissioner.

 JUSTIFICATION :
The testing of cattle for Bovine spongiform Encephalopathy or "mad cow
disease" is necessary to ascertain the presence or absence of BSE in
cattle thereby creating a safety net for the public at large.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :
A4929A - 2001-02 - Referred to Agriculture A122 - 2003-04 - Referred
to Agriculture A192 - 2005-2006 - Referred to Agriculture A3603 -
2007-2008 - Referred to Agriculture

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :
To be determined.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it
shall have become law: provided, however, that effective immediately,
the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation
necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are
authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such
date.