H863: Hog Lagoon Sunset

• Phases out traditional lagoon and sprayfield animal waste management systems serving swine farms permitted before September 1, 2007, requiring closure by September 1, 2027, except for systems producing renewable energy.

• Establishes minimum humane standards for cows, poultry, and swine, prohibiting tethering or confinement that prevents animals from lying down, standing up, fully extending limbs, or turning around freely, with limited exceptions for veterinary care, transportation, and exhibitions.

• Requires humane on-farm killing of cows and swine using methods approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association and prohibits strangulation as euthanasia.

• Prohibits transport, sale, or receipt of cows or calves too sick or injured to stand and walk for human food supply.

• Directs the Division of Public Health and Department of Agriculture to study antibiotic use in livestock production and report findings to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services by January 1, 2022.