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IA HF227
Bill
Status
2/6/2025
Primary Sponsor
Eric Gjerde
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AI Summary
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Licensed veterinarians acting in good faith receive immunity from administrative, civil, and criminal liability when cooperating with peace officers investigating animal abuse, neglect, or torture under Iowa Code chapters 717B, 717C, or 717D
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Protected activities include reporting suspected animal mistreatment to law enforcement, assisting local authorities in rescuing threatened animals, participating in dispositional proceedings, and providing evidence in legal cases
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Information disclosed by veterinarians while cooperating with law enforcement is exempt from professional confidentiality requirements that would otherwise apply under the veterinary practice chapter
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Veterinarians who knowingly make false reports or provide false information to peace officers face disciplinary action by the board, civil liability for damages, and a simple misdemeanor charge (up to 30 days confinement and fines of $105-$855)
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Municipalities are shielded from tort liability claims arising from a licensed veterinarian's actions when assisting in the rescue of a threatened animal, provided the veterinarian qualifies for immunity under the new statute
Legislative Description
A bill for an act providing for the conduct of licensed veterinarians when involved in certain legal matters involving the alleged mistreatment of animals, including by providing for immunity from administrative, civil, or criminal liability when acting in good faith; providing for administrative, civil, or criminal liability when not acting in good faith; and making penalties applicable.
Last Action
Subcommittee Meeting: 02/24/2025 12:00PM RM 103 (Cancelled).
2/19/2025