BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 258
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CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
AB 258 (Hagman)
As Amended June 20, 2011
Majority vote
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|ASSEMBLY: |70-0 |(May 12, 2011) |SENATE: |38-0 |(August 31, |
| | | | | |2011) |
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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
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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