Bill > A4637

Introduced Session

The bill provides that it is a violation of the consumer fraud act for a veterinarian to intentionally misrepresent, including through the use of euphemisms, code words, or otherwise, the information required under current law to be provided to the owner of a dead domestic companion animal undergoing testing for rabies. An unlawful practice is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, a violation can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured party. In addition, the bill requires the Division of Consumer Affairs to develop a poster and pamphlet with information relating to rabies vaccines and quarantine and testing protocols. Veterinarians are required to display the poster in office reception areas and to distribute the pamphlets to certain customers. Lastly, the bill requires the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services to develop a trauma-informed mental health protection training certification program for veterinarians and staff. The program is optional, and those who complete it are to receive a certification from the division.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Jessica Ramirez (D)*,  Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D)*,  William Sampson (D)*,  John Allen (D),  Reginald Atkins (D),  Rosaura Bagolie (D),  Linda Carter (D),  Alixon Collazos-Gill (D),  Joe Danielsen (D),  Shama Haider (D),  Garnet Hall (D),  Dan Hutchison (D),  Yvonne Lopez (D),  Julio Marenco (D),  Barbara McCann Stamato (D),  Cody Miller (D),  Ellen Park (D),  Gabriel Rodriguez (D),  Alexander Schnall (D),  Shanique Speight (D),  Sterley Stanley (D),  Cleopatra Tucker (D), 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee (on 06/25/2024)

Official Document