MN SF4135

Beginning July 1, 2022, the Board of Animal Health must not approve new registrations for farmed white-tailed deer, though existing registrations may be sold or transferred to family members.

An unspecified amount from the general fund is appropriated to the commissioner of agriculture in fiscal year 2023 to offer voluntary buyout payments to owners of registered farmed white-tailed deer.

Owners have until October 1, 2022, to accept the buyout, with the Board of Animal Health determining how each animal will be disposed of.

Participating owners who subsequently possess farmed white-tailed deer or violate the buyout contract must repay all money received and face penalties under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 35.

This appropriation is a onetime allocation.