81-1-102. Duties and powers of department -- fees based on costs -- notice of rules and orders. (1) The department shall exercise general supervision over and, so far as possible, protect the livestock interests of the state from theft and disease and recommend legislation that in the judgment of the department fosters the livestock industry. The department may compel the attendance of witnesses, employ counsel to assist in the prosecution of violations of laws made for the protection of livestock interests, and assist in the prosecution of persons charged with illegal branding or theft of livestock or any other crime under the laws of this state for the protection of stock owners. It may adopt rules governing the recording and use of livestock brands.

(2) Except as provided in 81-8-901, the department shall by rule establish all fees that it is authorized to charge, commensurate with costs.

(3) (a) In addition to the requirements of Title 2, chapter 4, the department shall provide notice of adopted, amended, and repealed administrative rules and orders as provided in subsection (3)(b).

(b) Within 10 working days of the effective date of a rule or order, notice of the rule or order must be published on the department's website and provided to each livestock market and brand office. The department shall provide the notification by electronic means to each conservation district, veterinarian's office, and county extension office in the state and to any person or to the office of any professional or trade organization or member of those entities who has made a request to the department to be informed of the adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule or order by the department.

(c) The notice provided pursuant to this subsection (3) must include a brief summary of the contents of the rule or order and instructions for accessing a complete copy of the rule or order electronically or by mail.

(4) The department shall perform the duties assigned to the department relating to the administration and regulation of alternative livestock ranches.

(5) The board may hire an executive officer. The executive officer serves at the pleasure of the board. The board may remove an executive officer at any time and appoint a new executive officer.

History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 51, L. 1917; re-en. Sec. 3256, R.C.M. 1921; re-en. Sec. 3256, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 49, Ch. 310, L. 1974; amd. Sec. 52, Ch. 359, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 46-104; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 444, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 503, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 574, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 417, L. 2011; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 90, L. 2013; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 187, L. 2015; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 439, L. 2015.