| SB 0857 | Prohibits discrimination in livestock purchasing and creates registration for stockyards |
| Sponsor: | Maxwell | |||
| LR Number: | 3143S.03I | Fiscal Note: | 3143-03 | |
| Committee: | Agriculture, Conservation, Parks & Tourism | |||
| Last Action: | 02/14/00 - Hearing Conducted S Agriculture, Conservation, Parks | Journal page: | ||
| & Tourism Committee | ||||
| Title: | ||||
| Effective Date: | August 28, 2000 | |||
SB 857 - This act mirrors the federal "Packers and Stockyards Act" to the extent possible with certain modifications for state use.
Any unjustly discriminatory action on the part of a packer or stockyard is illegal. This includes any practice creating a monopoly or apportioning distribution and sales of meats or livestock. Poultry contracts with growers must also conform to the non-discrimination standards of this act.
Stockyards must be certified by the Director of the Department of Agriculture on a monthly basis. Such certification requires a statement of compliance with the letter and intent of this act.
Any rates charged for services provided by a stockyard must be approved by the Department of Agriculture and posted on the premises. Changes in the schedule of rates for services must be approved by the Department. Any violation of these provisions is a Class "B" misdemeanor. Willful violation of this section is a Class "A" misdemeanor.
Stockyards are prohibited from practicing any discrimination or deception in hiring people to perform any services provided by the stockyard. The act also prohibits packer ownership of livestock for slaughter for more than 14 days prior to slaughter.
This act is substantially similar to HCS/HB 1602 (2000).
ERIN MOTLEY