Meeting Public Comments

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A bill for an act concerning unauthorized entry or access, including placement or use of a camera or electronic surveillance device while trespassing, unauthorized gathering of samples of certain materials relating to animals and animal feeding operations, and providing penalties. (Formerly HF 78.) Effective date: 07/01/2021.
Subcommittee members: Brown-CH, Bisignano, Sinclair
Date: Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Time: 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Location: 217 Conference Room
Comments Submitted:
The purpose of comments is to provide information to members of the subcommittee.
Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

03-30-2021
Lynn Gallagher
The industrial animal ag industry is now on their fourth attempt at passing an aggag bill in Iowa. These laws continue to be rejected because they are unconstitutional. Why is the industry trying to pass another one? It might be related to the fact that Iowa Select used a horrible process to kill pigs they couldnt send to slaughter during the covid crisis. They lied to the public when they said that ventilation shutdown was humane. A brave whistleblower and videos exposed the truth: https://theintercept.com/2020/05/29/pigsfactoryfarmsventilationshutdowncoronavirus/ When industry practices and problems are exposed, instead of making changes, they introduce bills to prevent exposure.We already have trespassing laws. It appears that with HF 775, the industry wants to make the penalties so severe, that no one would dare reveal the things that happen behind their closed doors. If this law passes, you could become a felon for taking a photo.The public has an interest in the welfare of the animals and in the safety of our food. If the industry is proud of what they are doing, why are they trying to avoid transparency?Please do not move this bill forward. Thank you.