State Legislature

Missouri bill protects producer privacy

The Missouri State Senate has approved a bill protecting the privacy of data collected from livestock producers under the federal Animal Disease Traceability Program (ADTP).  Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Mike Deering tells Brownfield the measure exempts such data from disclosure under Missouri’s sunshine law.

“This legislation would simply give producers the confidence to participate in good programs, voluntary programs with the government, without fear of their information ending up in the hands of the wrong people,” Deering told Brownfield Ag News Tuesday, “people who have improper motives.”

The bill allows the director of any state agency or the State Veterinarian to release information when the information is useful in controlling or preventing a disease outbreak.  However, unauthorized release of information would be a violation of the law.

“If a group like the Humane Society of the United States or somebody wanted that information, they would not be able to get it if this legislation passes here in Missouri,” said Deering.

The bill, sponsored by Representative Jay Houghton, passed the House in February and will go back to that chamber to reconcile changes made in the Senate version.

AUDIO: Mike Deering (2 min. MP3)

 

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