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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR Komadina

DATE TYPED 1/25/2005 HB

SHORT TITLE Prohibit Slaughter of Horses

SB 67

ANALYST Aguilar

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

$38.0 Recurring General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

New Mexico Livestock Board (NMLB)

Corrections Department (CD)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 67 adds a section to the Livestock Code making it a misdemeanor to slaughter a

horse or possess or import horsemeat for human consumption. Penalties are defined as less than

a year imprisonment and fine between five and ten thousand dollars. Meat processor found in

violation may lose their license. Horses may be euthanatized and used for non-human consump-

tion.

Significant Issues

NMLB currently conducts inspections of meat packing and processing plants and slaughter fa-

cilities statewide. These inspections focus on facility cleanliness and the condition of animal

carcasses. If enacted, SB-67 would cause NMLB to begin monitoring facility compliance and

investigate all reports of the unlawful use or slaughter of horses. The Livestock Board notes

these activities will require at least one additional FTE for compliance activities.

The Correction Department notes an impact of this legislation could be an increase in prison

population and probation caseloads as a result of the new category of crime.

Senate Bill 67 -- Page 2

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Activities related to implementing and enforcing the provisions of SB-67 will result in added

workload for NMLB for compliance and enforcement activities. Currently NMLB does not con-

duct inspection activities at rendering plants which will be required by this legislation. Addi-

tional personnel will be required for both meat inspection and livestock inspection.

The Correction Department notes SB-67 could increase costs to the Department as a result of the

new crime. Although the number of convictions is likely to be minimal, sentences of less than a

year are served in local jails, instead of at the Department of Corrections, so the only impact on

prison population will be if consecutive to another offense. The greater impact will be felt by the

Probation Division who may have a slight increase in caseload.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

The term euthanasia refers to a wide ranging array of methods for killing an animal. This may

cause confusion as processors and law enforcement personnel work to comply with the statute

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