Bill > SB976

This bill modifies Oregon laws related to animal health care by expanding the circumstances under which non-veterinarians can perform certain animal health-related tasks. Specifically, the bill creates a new provision allowing individuals who have received specific training to verify cattle pregnancy, exempting them from standard veterinary licensing requirements. The State Department of Agriculture is tasked with establishing rules governing these pregnancy verification services and must create guidelines for who can perform such activities. Additionally, the bill requires these pregnancy verification professionals to report livestock diseases, expanding the existing reporting requirements for veterinarians. The changes will become operative on January 1, 2026, and the bill includes an emergency clause, indicating its immediate importance for public health and safety. The legislation amends existing statutes in ORS 686.040 and ORS 596.321 to accommodate these new provisions, essentially creating a pathway for trained non-veterinarians to perform specific, limited animal health services while maintaining professional standards and disease monitoring protocols.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB976