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IA HSB245
SB
Status
2/24/2025
Primary Sponsor
State Government
Click for details
AI Summary
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Licensed veterinarians acting in good faith are granted immunity from administrative, civil, or criminal liability when cooperating with law enforcement in animal mistreatment investigations under Code chapters 717B (abuse, neglect, torture), 717C (bestiality), or 717D (animal contest events)
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Immunity applies when veterinarians report suspected animal crimes to peace officers, assist local authorities in rescuing threatened animals, participate in dispositional proceedings, or provide evidence in legal cases
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Information disclosed by veterinarians acting under this immunity is exempt from 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 are not protected by immunity, face disciplinary action by the board, civil liability for damages, and are guilty of a simple misdemeanor (up to 30 days confinement and fines of $105-$855)
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Municipalities are shielded from liability claims based on acts by licensed veterinarians who assist in rescuing threatened animals when the veterinarian qualifies for immunity
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.(See HF 869.)
Last Action
Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 869.
3/7/2025