ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

Second Regular Session

SB 1146: disclosure; agricultural vaccinations; prohibition

Sponsor: Senator Kern, LD 27

Committee on Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Overview

Allows a product that is made from aquaculture, poultry or livestock that has not received a messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccination, to carry an "mRNA free" label. Specifies the Director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture (ADA) or the State Veterinarian is not authorized to require or administer an mRNA vaccination that has not received full federal approval.

History

Vaccines containing mRNA rely on genetic information, instead of a weakened virus, to create an immune response.

The State Veterinarian is located within the Animal Services Division of ADA and is responsible for protecting the livestock, poultry and aquaculture industries and the public by preventing, detecting and containing diseases (ADA).

Statute outlines procedures for tuberculosis and brucellosis control for cattle in Arizona. The Director of ADA may cooperate with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to eradicate tuberculosis in cattle. Additionally, female dairy and beef calves may be officially vaccinated for brucellosis at an age prescribed by the Director of ADA. (A.R.S. §§ 3-1741, 3-1773)

Aquaculture means the controlled propagation, growth and harvest of aquatic animals or plants, including fish, amphibians, shellfish, mollusks, crustaceans, algae and vascular plants.

Livestock means cattle, equine, sheep, goats and swine, except feral pigs.

Poultry means any domesticated bird, whether live or dead, and includes chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guineas, ratites and squab (A.R.S. § 3-1201).

Provisions

1. Allows products made from aquaculture, livestock or poultry to carry a label stating the product is "mRNA Free" if the aquaculture, livestock or poultry has not received an mRNA vaccination. (Sec. 1)

2. Requires the label to be black text on an orange background and no larger than one-quarter inch in height. (Sec. 1)

3. Specifies the general powers and duties of ADA do not authorize ADA or the State Veterinarian to require or administer an mRNA vaccine that has not received full approval of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Sec. 2)

4. States that full approval by a federal agency does not include emergency approval. (Sec. 2)

5. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 2)

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9. SB 1146

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