What does Preamble of Mink VIRUS Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To protect public health and human safety by prohibiting the farming of mink for their fur, to compensate farmers as they transition out of the industry, and for other purposes,' aims to prohibit the farming of mink for their fur. The bill intends to provide compensation to farmers as they transition out of the mink farming industry. The bill was introduced by Mr. Espaillat, along with Ms. Barragan, Mr. Frost, and Mr. Fitzpatrick.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Mink VIRUS Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Mink: Vectors for Infection Risk in the United States Act, also known as the Mink VIRUS Act.

What does PROHIBITION ON MINK FARMING AND REQUIREMENTS FOR MINK of Mink VIRUS Act do?

This section prohibits mink farming beginning one year after the Act's enactment. Mink termination, whether to comply with the prohibition or otherwise, must adhere to euthanasia standards defined in 9 C.F.R. § 1.1 and be classified as 'acceptable' by the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals. Violations of the mink farming prohibition can result in civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day. Violations of the mink termination requirements can result in civil penalties of up to $10,000 per mink. This section does not preempt state or local laws that are more restrictive than the federal requirements.

What does PAYMENT PROGRAM. of Mink VIRUS Act do?

This section establishes a program to provide payments to owners of fur farms involving mink. Payments are calculated based on the cost of complying with sections 2(a) and 2(b) and the market value of the mink farming portion of the farm. The market value is determined based on a standard appraisal methodology, using the day before enactment as the effective date. Recipients must agree not to use payment funds for fur farm operations and must provide a permanent easement prohibiting future fur farming on the property. The Secretary of the Treasury is directed to transfer $100,000,000 to the Secretary of Agriculture to fund the program.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Mink VIRUS Act do?

This section defines key terms used within the Act. “Fur” is defined as an animal skin or part of an animal skin with hair, fleece, or fur fibers attached, but excludes skins intended for leather conversion or specific animal hides (cowhide, deerskin, lambskin, and sheepskin). “Fur-bearing animal” refers to an animal that produces fur of marketable value. A “fur farm” is defined as an operation that breeds, slaughters, skins, or sells fur-bearing animals for their fur, encompassing land, buildings, animals, and fur produced. “Mink” includes American and European mink, mink hybrids, and their parts and products. “State” includes all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and various territories and possessions of the United States.

What does BUDGETARY EFFECTS. of Mink VIRUS Act do?

This section addresses the budgetary effects of the Act. The Act's budgetary effects are not to be entered on the Statutory PAYGO scorecard. The Act's budgetary effects are also not to be entered on any PAYGO scorecard maintained for section 4106 of H. Con. Res. 71 (115th Congress).

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Mink VIRUS Act

Last updated: 4/18/2025 · Introduced: 3/18/2025

Author: Adriano Espaillat (D-NY)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill prohibits the farming of mink for their fur nationwide, beginning one year after enactment, with civil penalties for violations.
It establishes a $100 million payment program to compensate mink farmers as they transition out of the industry, requiring easements preventing future fur farming.
The bill defines key terms related to fur, fur-bearing animals, and fur farms, and exempts its budgetary effects from certain PAYGO scorecards.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

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