MO HB479

Exempts premises registration data, animal identification data, environmental data, and animal tracking data collected under the federal Animal Disease Traceability Program from Missouri's Sunshine Law (Chapter 610) public disclosure requirements

Allows the director of state agencies or the state veterinarian to release otherwise closed information when necessary for controlling or preventing disease outbreaks, public safety purposes, or demonstrating that specific animals or herds are not involved in an outbreak

Prohibits release of proprietary information under any circumstances

Unauthorized release of protected information constitutes a violation allowing affected entities or persons to bring civil action against the state agency

Courts may award damages up to $10,000, reasonable attorney's fees, costs, expenses, and injunctive relief for violations