This legislative session has put veterinary medicine in the spotlight, with multiple bills that could directly impact the profession.
Five bills specifically address veterinary concerns, four more include broader animal-related issues, and one focuses on continuing education requirements for veterinarians.
With hundreds of bills under consideration, this represents a significant legislative load for our profession. The Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA) is closely monitoring these developments and actively advocating at the Capitol to ensure veterinary voices are heard. As these bills move to the opposite chamber, we’ll continue to provide updates and opportunities for members to engage.
Bills in Veterinary Medicine
SB 20
Creates a veterinary loan repayment plan for veterinarians practicing shelter medicine.
GVMA Position: SUPPORT
PASSED in the Senate
SB 105
Extends the VCPR to associates within the same physical practice and creates guidelines for teleservices – including an option for veterinary deserts.
GVMA Position: SUPPORT
PASSED in the Senate
HB 88
Creates a veterinary loan repayment plan for veterinary technicians in rural areas.
GVMA Position: SUPPORT
Did not get picked on Crossover day, hope to see again next year.
HB 91
Creates a limited license for veterinary specialists who graduated from a foreign veterinary school and completed their residency and passed their Boards in the United States.
GVMA Position: SUPPORT
Did not pass the House Crossover day, hope to see again next year.
HB 172
Extends the Food Animal Veterinary Loan Repayment program to a three year program with up to $100,000 reimbursed.
GVMA Position: SUPPORT (Food Animal VLRP)
PASSED in the Senate
Bills that Include Animals
SB 102
Cockfighting will become illegal.
PASSED in the Senate
HB 177
Provides protection for household pets in both family violence and dating violence protective orders.
PASSED in the House
HB 331
Prohibits the sale or barter of dogs, cats and domestic rabbits in certain unregulated locations such as parking lots, roadsides, and seasonal flea markets (with exemptions for licensed shelters and rescues). Does not prevent transfers that take place at a seller’s residence or place of business or inside a veterinary office.
PASSED in the House
HB 614
Authorize local governments to prohibit the use or ignition of consumer fireworks in proximity to certain facilities housing equines.
PASSED in the House
HB 34
Establishes on behalf of professional licensing boards under the jurisdiction of the office of the Secretary of State a continuing education tracking solution to monitor compliance of licensees with applicable continuing education requirements
PASSED in the House
