SC H4729

Restructures the Investigative Review Committee (IRC) of the Board of Veterinary Examiners to include a physician, an attorney, a nonprofit animal protection representative, two members of the general public, and two licensed veterinarians who have never served on the board, replacing the previous composition of four former board members or experienced veterinarians

Requires the Board of Veterinary Examiners to proceed with formal action when the IRC recommends it, though the board retains discretion to proceed or not when the IRC does not recommend formal action

Establishes mandatory escalating sanctions for incompetent or negligent conduct in veterinary practice: up to $5,000 fine for first violation, up to $10,000 for second violation, and permanent license revocation for third violation

Maintains the existing $1,000 maximum fine per violation for all other disciplinary matters not involving incompetence or negligence

Takes effect July 1, 2026