BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 258 Page 1 CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS AB 258 (Hagman) As Amended June 20, 2011 Majority vote ----------------------------------------------------------------- |ASSEMBLY: |70-0 |(May 12, 2011) |SENATE: |38-0 |(August 31, | | | | | | |2011) | ----------------------------------------------------------------- Original Committee Reference: AGRI. SUMMARY : This bill allows exemptions from canine antirabies vaccination (CAV) requirements the owner of a dog that a licensed veterinarian determines has a compromised immune system or pre-existing condition that renders the vaccine dangerous to the animal's health. The Senate Amendments clarify that requests to exempt a dog from CAV include a signed statement by the veterinarian explaining and verifying the need for a CAV exemption, and make technical changes. EXISTING LAW requires every dog owner to, once the dog is older than four months, obtain a dog license from the responsible local government at least every two years, and obtain a CAV every year. Existing law also allows local governments to pass ordinances for the issuance of a dog license, for a period not to exceed three years for dogs older than 12 months, which have been vaccinated against rabies. AS PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY , this bill was substantially similar to the version approved by the Senate. FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, the California Department of Public Health estimates costs of approximately $40,000 for one-half of 2011-12 and $80,000 for 2012-13, for a veterinary research scientist to amend the regulations and develop the exemption form. COMMENTS : According to the author, current state law makes it difficult for veterinarians to make a decision in the best AB 258 Page 2 interest of a sick or compromised animal. Pet owners who are deeply concerned about their dogs' health, and are deprived of a vaccination exemption option, may choose to ignore current law. The author believes the public is actually put at greater potential risk for zoonotic disease without an exemption from rabies vaccination provision. The author states that this bill will provide a uniform statewide vaccination waiver protocol to streamline licensing and support better monitoring of unvaccinated dogs. Supporters state that this bill provides a safe and medically sound way to protect California's dogs and public health. Supporters further point out that at least 10 other states have similar exemptions to CAV without adverse to public health. Analysis Prepared by : Victor Francovich / AGRI. / (916) 319-2084 FN: 0002301