ND SB2239

Board shall develop and maintain animal tracking databases for animal health purposes only, with information subject to confidentiality protections rather than standard open records laws.

Information about premises identification, animal identification, and animal tracking—including owner and lessee names and addresses—must be kept confidential by the state veterinarian.

Confidential information may only be disclosed with written consent from the subject, pursuant to federal law, for animal disease control, criminal investigations, court order, or to the North Dakota stockmen's association.

Violations are subject to remedies under section 44-04-21.2, with "public entity" defined to include contractors providing services related to animal identification or tracking database programs.

Bill declared an emergency measure; passed Senate 47-0 and House 87-0 (7 absent).