_____________ bill NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the Department of Livestock

A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT revising the designation of the chief meat inspector; directing the executive officer of the department of livestock to designate the chief meat inspector; and AMENDING SECTION 81-9-226, MCA."

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

Section 1. Section 81-9-226, MCA, is amended to read:

"81-9-226. Chief meat inspector -- deputies -- qualifications. (1) There is a chief meat inspector, who must be appointed by the board and shall serve at its pleasure. The department's executive officer shall designate the chief meat inspector. The chief meat inspector shall serve at the pleasure of the executive officer.

(2)        The chief meat inspector shall supervise the state meat inspection program established in 81-9-216 through 81-9-220 and 81-9-226 through 81-9-236 and shall enforce the provisions of 81-9-216 through 81-9-220 and 81-9-226 through 81-9-236 to assure the public that only pure, wholesome, and unadulterated meat or meat food products are offered for sale.

(3)        Upon On recommendation of the chief meat inspector, the board shall appoint veterinary meat inspectors and lay meat inspectors, who must be are responsible to the chief meat inspector and who shall conduct antemortem and postmortem inspections, enforce sanitary requirements, and perform other necessary meat inspection duties.

(4)        An inspector assigned to an official establishment may not be related to the management of the establishment or have any financial interest therein in the establishment."