BOISE - Keeping animals healthy could become a little more expensive.

The Senate Agricultural Affairs voted Thursday to print legislation that would charge $800 per company that manufacture animal and veterinary drugs used in Idaho.

The same committee last year narrowly defeated a similar pitch that would have charged manufacturers $50 per product when they registered products like drugs and supplements. Lawmakers last year were against adding more regulations just so the Idaho State Department of Agriculture could raise money.

Under the new proposal, in order for companies to sell animal drugs or similar materials in Idaho that must be registered or licensed under the state, the companies would pay $800 annually to the state. The money would be filtered to the agency's livestock diseases control and tuberculosis indemnity account.

This year's proposal, however, is slightly different and state officials are more optimistic.

Officials say the fees will raise about $200,000 - the same as last year - but that Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has promised to support matching funds from the general fund if the program is successful, said ISDA Animal Industries Administrator Greg Ledbetter. Last year, ISDA officials told senators that they've requested funds to add to the designated funds but have been denied.

He added that the money is to make up for the declining revenue from brand inspections as the agency's cost of services continues to increase. He said that because livestock is being transferred fewer times, fewer inspections are being done - resulting in less money for the agency.

The department worked on the legislation with pharmaceutical companies and they do not have a problem with the legislation, Ledbetter said.

Otter's involvement might make the legislation more attractive to lawmakers, said Ag Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Gannon, R-Buhl.

"Otter's attitude is, 'if you want money from me, show me what you can do first and I'll see what I can do for you,'" Gannon said. He added that ISDA seemed to have drawn up legislation that is clearer than last year's on where the funding is directed.

Jared S. Hopkins may be reached at 631-793-5717 or jhopkins@magicvalley.com