Bill Text: MS SB2131 | 2019 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Genetically engineered salmon; prohibit sale or cultivation of.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Failed) 2019-02-05 - Died In Committee [SB2131 Detail]

Download: Mississippi-2019-SB2131-Introduced.html

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MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2019 Regular Session

To: Agriculture

By: Senator(s) Jackson (11th)

Senate Bill 2131

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT THE SALE, FARMING, CULTIVATION, INCUBATION OR INDUCEMENT TO SPAWN OF ATLANTIC SALMON OR GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FISH THAT MAY COME INTO CONTACT WITH OR SPREAD CONTAGIOUS DISEASES TO NATIVE FISH IN THIS STATE; TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND COMMERCE TO ENFORCE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  As used in this act:

          (a)  "Genetically engineered" means having a genetic structure that has been altered at the molecular or cellular level through recombinant DNA or RNA techniques or the introduction of exogenous genetic material that becomes incorporated into the genome of the organism.

          (b)  "Recombinant DNA" or "RNA techniques" means processes in which segments of deoxyribonucleic acid or ribonucleic acid from different organisms are joined together to create recombinant DNA or RNA molecules that have the capacity to replicate in a host cell, either autonomously or as an integrated part of the host genome.

     SECTION 2.  (1)  A person shall not sell, farm, cultivate, incubate or induce to spawn in this state any Atlantic salmon or genetically engineered fish that may come into contact with native fish or that may spread to native fish any contagious disease.

     (2)  The Department of Agriculture and Commerce shall ensure that any person with a permit issued under Section 79-22-9, complies with the provisions of this section.

     (3)  This section does not apply to:

          (a)  Atlantic salmon or genetically engineered fish that are no longer living and that are imported into, or transported within, this state for human consumption.

          (b)  Atlantic salmon or genetically engineered fish that are no longer living and that are imported into, or transported within, this state and contained within:

              (i)  Dog food;

              (ii)  Cat food;

              (iii)  Any fertilizer; or

              (iv)  Any consumer product other than those described in paragraph (a) of this subsection.

          (c)  Triploid fish.

          (d)  Hybrid fish.

          (e)  Shellfish.

          (f)  Live fish that are for aquaria use.

          (g)  Atlantic salmon or genetically engineered fish to be used for, or that are used for, scientific research in an aquarium or other similar closed-water system.  Atlantic salmon or genetically engineered fish described in this paragraph may not be disposed of in any body of water in this state.  The department by rule shall adopt requirements for the disposal of Atlantic salmon or genetically engineered fish described in this paragraph, specifying disposal procedures that may be verified by the department.

     (4)  The provisions of this section do not affect the use of vaccines necessary for fish health management.

     SECTION 3.  Section 2 of this act becomes effective on July 1, 2019, but the Department of Agriculture and Commerce may adopt rules or take any other action before the effective date that is necessary to implement the provisions of this act.

     SECTION 4.  The provisions of Section 3 of this act:

          (a)  Do not apply to Atlantic salmon, or spawn thereof, that are present in this state before or on July 1, 2019.

          (b)  Apply to permits issued or renewed under Section 79-22-9 on or after the effective date of this act.

     SECTION 5.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2019.