Bill would authorize out-of-state brand permits

An owner could brand cattle with a brand recorded or registered in another state under a bill advanced from general file April 19.

LB435, introduced by North Platte Sen. Tom Hansen, would allow out-of-state brand permits that authorize one-time use of a brand registered with a state other than Nebraska to brand cattle for immediate exportation out of state.

Hansen said it would make transactions more efficient and advantageous.

“Nebraska producers will be able to add value to their livestock to border state buyers by making [the livestock] ready to unload immediately in surrounding states,” he said.

The bill would authorize the branding of cattle with an out-of-state brand if:
• the cattle are purchased at a livestock auction market licensed under the Livestock Auction Market Act or another location approved by the Nebraska Brand Committee;
• the cattle will be exported immediately from Nebraska;
• the cattle are branded at the livestock auction market or other approved location; and
• an out-of-state brand permit has been obtained prior to branding the cattle.

Producers could obtain an out-of-state brand permit by submitting an application and corresponding fee to a brand inspector.

Senators advanced the bill to select file on a 30-0 vote.