SB 722: Agriculture; prohibiting electronic monitoring of certain animals. Effective date. - Oklahoma

SB722 (3-11-25) (KERN) FA1.PDF → Floor (Senate) · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends Oklahoma's agricultural code to update definitions and establish the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry as the official animal identification agency. The changes modernize terminology, clarify agency roles, and set up a framework for an animal identification program to improve disease preparedness and traceability.

Scope change

The bill expands the definition of 'livestock' to include additional animals and clarifies that official identification cannot be used for electronic monitoring of animals within the state. It also updates departmental naming conventions to reflect the current official name.

DEFINITION

Updated definitions to include current department name and clarify what constitutes official identification

Expanded livestock definition to include additional domesticated animals and birds in captivity

REQUIREMENT

Established framework for Oklahoma Animal Identification Program with specific goals for disease preparedness and traceability

Added prohibition on using official identification to monitor animals electronically within the state

Created authority for the Department to develop rules for animal identification when federal requirements are issued

Engrossed → SB722 (3-11-25) (KERN) FA1.PDF · 3 edits

MINOR

This bill amendment clarifies animal identification rules by adding consent requirements for electronic monitoring of young cattle and bison under 18 months old, and updates departmental references to reflect the full name of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry.

Scope change

The bill now explicitly requires owner consent before electronic monitoring of young livestock, narrowing the scope of mandatory electronic identification for this age group.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirement that electronic monitoring of cattle or bison younger than 18 months requires owner consent

DEFINITION

Updated department name references to use full official name 'Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry' instead of abbreviated 'Department of Agriculture'

Clarified that backtags are not considered official identification unless animals are shipped directly to slaughter

Introduced → Engrossed · 4 edits · Mar 13, 2025

MODERATE

This bill modifies the Oklahoma Agricultural Code's definitions and animal identification requirements. The most significant change is adding an exemption that prohibits electronic monitoring of cattle and bison under 18 months old without owner consent, while maintaining the existing ban on electronic monitoring for all other animals. The bill also updates formatting and adds co-sponsors to the legislation.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on agriculture and animal identification, but the applicability of electronic monitoring restrictions was narrowed to exclude young cattle and bison with owner consent.

REQUIREMENT

Added exception allowing electronic monitoring of cattle and bison under 18 months old if the owner consents, while maintaining the prohibition for all other animals.

DEFINITION

Updated the definition of 'Official identification' to include the new age-based exemption for electronic monitoring of young cattle and bison.

TECHNICAL

Added co-sponsors (Bullard of Senate and Burns of House) to the bill header.

Updated page headers and formatting throughout the document to reflect engrossed version status.

Agriculture; prohibiting electronic monitoring of certain animals. Effective date.

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