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Posted 16 October 2006
View legislative update (PDF)
As the legislative session ended in California, lawmakers sent hundreds of bills to Gov. Schwarzenegger. He did sign a number of "pet-friendly" bills such as prohibiting leaving companion animals in unattended motor vehicles under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of the animal, and forbidding the tethering of a dog unattended for more than three hours generally.
The California Governor also signed a bill that requires disaster response agencies to develop a plan for the needs of service animals, livestock, equines and individuals with household pets. On fiscal grounds, he vetoed a bill that would have required the Department of Consumer Affairs to adopt regulations for the care and handling of companion animals sold to the general public.
In New York, newly-passed legislation clarifies the definition of pet dealer to allow the Agriculture Department authority to inspect suspected puppy mills. And in DC, HSUS-backed LB 886 was introduced, calling for a ban on eggs produced by other than cage-free hens in stores, unless accompanied by a disclosure sign.
In May, we reported that New Jersey Governor Corzine's proposed budget would eliminate funding for a successful program which allows state residents to attend veterinary colleges in other states at in-state tuition rates. A last minute compromise saved the program, but cut $650,000 out of $1.34 million, hiking tuition for 92 students at seven colleges. The NJVMA plans to lobby for a full restoration of funds next year.
Veterinary medical boards in Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Nevada and Pennsylvania have proposed practice act revisions dealing with topics such as CE requirements, unauthorized practice, veterinary and euthanasia technicians and veterinary records. We will update you as these proposals move through the regulatory agency approval process.
Registration is underway for the AVMA State Public Policy Symposium on Dec. 2-3, 2006, at the Chicago Marriott O'Hare. The brochure and registration materials can be accessed on the AVMA web site at: http://www.avma.org/meetings/pubpolsymposium/default.asp.
Anyone who finds these updates informative would benefit from attending this special event. You will enjoy our speakers and topics, not to mention the company of your colleagues from around the country. We hope to see you there!
Meanwhile, we found a neat online resource for following the upcoming state elections. It's run by the National Conference of State Legislatures at www.ncsl.org/statevote/statevote2006.htm. It profiles hot races and analysis of statewide ballot initiatives with a comprehensive overview of results on Nov. 8th. Of particular interest to us will be how veterinarians fare in their races, and results of animal-related ballot initiatives.
We look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming ASVMAE Fall Conference and the AVMA State Public Policy Symposium. Please continue to send us your updates and reports, as well as requests for assistance. The following link takes you to the latest significant bills and regulations from around the country.
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