Avian influenza response, farmer privacy protections in new law

Gov. Tim Walz and legislators acted quickly to aid the state’s response to the emerging Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak.

A new law, effective April 9, 2022, provides a $1 million, one-time appropriation from the General Fund to the Department of Agriculture for surveillance and testing supplies for the outbreak. The department may transfer funds to the Board of Animal Health for surveillance of the disease.

Additionally, the law makes private any data collected and maintained by the Agriculture Department, Minnesota State system and other pass-through recipients regarding individuals who seek assistance with mental or behavioral health, or individuals who contact the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline. The private data includes anything that identifies the individual or data provided that identifies another person. However, data can be released under emergency conditions if necessary to protect the health or safety of any person.

Rep. Ginny Klevorn (DFL-Plymouth) and Sen. Andrew Mathews (R-Princeton) sponsor the law.

HF3217*/SF3585/CH47

HF3217* / SF3585 / CH47