LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

As 2022 draws to a close, the VVMA lobbying team is preparing for the 2023 General Session, 45 days, this year to educate Governor Youngkin and legislators on issues important to veterinarians across the Commonwealth.

In preparation Governor Youngkin proposed his budget amendments to the joint money committees as well as released a list of more than 300 initial regulatory actions expected between now and July 1, 2023.

Regarding legislative efforts, VVMA is following the following topics and pieces of legislation thus far:

HB 1382 Delegate Gooditis – Cats; prohibition on declawing, civil penalty (VVMA Opposes) Declawing cats; prohibition; civil penalty. Makes unlawful the practice of declawing cats except as necessary for a therapeutic purpose, as defined in the bill, and creates a civil penalty of $500 for the first violation, $1,000 for the second violation, and $2,500 for the third or any subsequent violation. The bill also entitles any animal control officer, humane investigator, or state or local law-enforcement officer to bring a civil action for a violation of this section.

HB 1406 Dogs and cats; eliminates the requirement to pay license tax for ownership, etc. (VVMA Opposes) License tax; ownership of dogs and cats. Eliminates the requirement to pay a license tax for owning a dog or cat and eliminates the misdemeanor penalty for failing to pay such license tax.

NO Bill YET The JLARC Study on Gaming may results in legislative proposals combining all into One Central Agency, perhaps the Virginia Lottery or a New Agency. The VVMA will monitor these efforts to ensure that funding dedicated to veterinary school funding is protected no matter what the organization.

In addition – VVMA is participating in the VDACS Animal Health Laboratory System Advisory Committee to evaluate scenarios for how to strengthen and improve the animal health lab system and consider how it could look in future. The group has been convened to review a consultants report (see below), recommendations included in the report, as well as consider other pertinent issues, including a shortage of large animal, ambulatory veterinarians in Virginia; the role of extension veterinarians (remembering the work of Dr. W. D. Whittier); and considering the public feedback that has been submitted during listening sessions hosted by Virginia Farm Bureau and the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association in Wytheville, Lynchburg and Warrenton. You may read more about the initiative by finding the project summary, presentation and project report below on https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/animals-animal-healthlaboratory-services.shtml

Resources

Strengthening Virginia’s Animal Health Laboratory System Project 2022 - Summary (pdf)

Strengthening Virginia’s Animal Health Laboratory System Project 2022 - Presentation (pdf)

Strengthening Virginia’s Animal Health Laboratory System Project 2022 - Report (pdf)

'tis the season for tests &TREATS!

Dr. Terry Swecker and Dr. Lauren maxey continued the holiday treats tradition and passed out holiday goodie bags, hot chocolate, and coffee to VA-MD CVM students one morning during exam week!