The Alaska House of Representatives passed a bill dealing with the confidentiality of certain state records relating to animals.
Rep. George Rauscher (Sutton) explains:
“Basically, what we have here is the hunters have wanted to know whether or not the domestic animal, those that raise domestic animals, have any kind of diseases that might affect the wild population. The farmers have basically said, ‘We’d like to get our animals tested, but we’re afraid that if information gets out there, there might be some retribution against the business itself.’ Basically, this protects the business name, but yet makes all the other information available to anyone who inquires, yourself, a native government, the state of Alaska, the DEC, can all ask for this kind of information to find out, including hunting organizations, can all have it. The only thing that would be protected is the particular animal and the owner.”
Rep. Rauscher further clarifies:
“The proposed legislation would make the selected information from which livestock producers must disclose to the state of Alaska confidential and not subject to public disclosure resulting in protection from livestock producers’ proprietary interests. The Department of Environmental Conservation is still able to release information to other government officials regarding disease outbreaks to protect human and animal health. It would also encourage animal owners to voluntarily test their animals as they would have the assurance that the results are made public, but the owner/business, in particular, animal, would be considered confidential under state law.”
Following passage of the bill, Rep. Rauscher released a statement saying:
“Whether you hunt sheep and goats or raise them domestically; HB 347 was an exciting win for the State of Alaska, with a unanimous vote in the House. Stating that we believe transmittable diseases are on the road to being addressed. The bill is now in the Senate Rules committee waiting for a floor vote.”
House Bill 347 passed on a 37-0 vote and now is transmitted to the State Senate for consideration.
Transcribed audio courtesy of KTOO 360TV.