This update highlights significant wins for practice efficiency, including the progress of bills that expand the role of veterinary technicians and modernize telehealth regulations.
Whether it’s tracking the impact of new tax exemptions on your bottom line or monitoring out-of-state trends that could influence Georgia’s future, we are committed to providing you with the clarity you need to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape with confidence.
Key Legislative Dates
- March 6: Crossover Day (completed)
- March 12: GA Cattlemen Steak Biscuit Day (7:00 a.m.)
- April 2: Sine Die – End of the legislative session; bills not passed by this date will not carry over into 2027
Veterinary-Related Legislation
✅ Passed House / Moving to Senate
- HB 1408: Allows licensed veterinary technicians to administer rabies vaccines under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, expanding access and improving practice efficiency.
- HB 1195: Clarifies that veterinary teleadvice and teletriage does not require a veterinary client patient relationship. Also, removes the geographical language in terms of providing veterinary teletriage services.
❌ Did Not Survive Crossover
- HB 88: Proposed loan repayment program for licensed veterinary technicians in rural areas ($10,000/year up to $30,000). Favorably reported but did not pass crossover.
Animal Protection & Agriculture Bills
- HB 75: Strengthens protections for impounded animals, requiring court orders prior to euthanasia and addressing state/local liability.
- HB 946: Authorizes hunting and trapping of feral hogs under certain conditions.
- HB 1416: Establishes a joint study committee on long-term sustainability of family farms.
- HB 1013: Designates lemon pepper as Georgia’s official state chicken wing flavor.
Senate Bills of Note
- SB 365: Increases transparency in produce and meat marketing.
- SB 415: Prohibits production and sale of lab-grown meat for human consumption.
- SB 474: Exempts overtime pay from Georgia state income tax.
- SB 476 / SB 477: Reduce Georgia’s personal income tax rates.
- SB 590: Tightens regulations and care standards for dog breeders, including limits on breeding dogs.
Bill of Concern (Outside Georgia)
- Florida SB 796 – Veterinary Workforce Innovation Act
- Expands veterinary telehealth prescribing, establishes veterinary professional associate registration, and increases state oversight.
- Status: Passed Florida Senate Rules Committee on March 3, 2026.
