HB 1026 Summary

• Creates chapters 4.1-72 through 4.1-75, 4.1-83, and 4.1-88 of the North Dakota Century Code consolidating livestock branding, estrays, registered livestock, and livestock/wool dealer licensing laws into the 4.1 (agricultural code) series.

• Establishes the North Dakota Stockmen's Association as administrator of brand registration and inspection services for cattle, horses, and mules, with a chief brand inspector and deputy brand inspectors serving as licensed peace officers.

• Implements livestock brand registration requirements including specific design restrictions (no letters g or q, no numerals 0 or 1, only certain symbols), specified placement locations by animal type, and five-year expiration with rerecording requirements beginning January 1, 2016.

• Requires livestock dealers and wool dealers to obtain licenses from the agriculture commissioner, post bonds ($50 for livestock dealers, $10 for wool dealers, minimum $10,000), and maintain records of purchases and sales for two years.

• Repeals chapters 36-04, 36-09, 36-13, and 36-22 of the North Dakota Century Code (prior livestock branding, estrays, and dealer licensing provisions) and directs legislative management to continue studying agricultural law provisions for modernization recommendations.