Existing law establishes the University of California, under the administration of the Regents of the University of California, as one of the segments of public postsecondary education in the state. Existing law vests the University of California with exclusive jurisdiction in public higher education over instruction in the profession of law and over graduate instruction in the professions of medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.

This bill would authorize a California veterinary medical school to develop a high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification program to be offered as elective coursework to enrolled students, as provided. The bill would require the certification program to also be offered to California-licensed veterinarians and California-registered veterinary technicians, as provided.

The bill would require the certification program to make available to the public low- or no-cost ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, or gonadectomies for cats and dogs that are performed by program participants, as provided. The bill would require a California veterinary medical school offering the above-described certification program to triennially publish a public progress report on certification program activities, as specified.

Existing law establishes the University of California, under the administration of the Regents of the University of California, as one of the segments of public postsecondary education in the state. Existing law vests the University of California with exclusive jurisdiction in public higher education over instruction in the profession of law and over graduate instruction in the professions of medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.

This bill would authorize a California veterinary medical school to develop a high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification program to be offered as elective coursework to enrolled students, as provided. The bill would require the certification program to also be offered to California-licensed veterinarians and California-registered veterinary technicians, as provided.

The bill would require the certification program to make available to the public low- or no-cost ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, or gonadectomies for cats and dogs that are performed by program participants, as provided. The bill would require a California veterinary medical school offering the above-described certification program to triennially publish a public progress report on certification program activities, as specified.

Existing law establishes the University of California, under the administration of the Regents of the University of California, as one of the segments of public postsecondary education in the state. Existing law vests the University of California with exclusive jurisdiction in public higher education over instruction in the profession of law and over graduate instruction in the professions of medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.

This bill would request the Regents of the University of California and the governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences, upon appropriation by the Legislature, authorize a California veterinary medical school to develop a high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification programs program to be offered as elective coursework to students enrolled in veterinary medicine programs at their respective institutions, enrolled students, as provided. The bill would require the certification programs program to also be offered to California-licensed veterinarians and California-registered veterinary technicians, as provided.

The bill would require the certification programs program to make available to the public low- or no-cost ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, or gonadectomies for cats and dogs that are performed by program participants, as provided. The bill would require the University of California and the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine a California veterinary medical school offering the above-described certification program to triennially publish a public progress report on certification program activities, as specified.

Existing law establishes the University of California, under the administration of the Regents of the University of California, as one of the segments of public postsecondary education in the state. Existing law vests the University of California with exclusive jurisdiction in public higher education over instruction in the profession of law and over graduate instruction in the professions of medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.

This bill would require request the Regents of the University of California and the governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences Sciences, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to develop high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification programs to be offered as elective coursework to students enrolled in veterinary medicine programs at the University of California, Davis, and the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, their respective institutions, as provided. The bill would require the certification programs to also be offered to California-licensed veterinarians and California-registered veterinary technicians, as provided.

The bill would require the certification programs to make available to the public low- or no-cost ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, or gonadectomies for cats and dogs that are performed by program participants, as provided. The bill would require the University of California, Davis, California and the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine to triennially publish a public progress report on certification program activities, as specified.

This bill would apply to the University of California only to the extent that the regents, by appropriate resolution, make it apply, and to the Western University of Health Sciences only to the extent that the Office of the Provost makes it apply.

Existing law establishes the University of California, under the administration of the Regents of the University of California, as one of the segments of public postsecondary education in the state. Existing law vests the University of California with exclusive jurisdiction in public higher education over instruction in the profession of law and over graduate instruction in the professions of medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.

This bill would request that require the Regents of the University of California jointly develop with and the governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences standards and guidelines for to develop high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter surgical techniques and jointly implement the developed standards and guidelines in certification programs to be offered as elective coursework for to students enrolled in veterinary medicine programs at the University of California, Davis, and the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, and a high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification program to be made available Medicine, as provided. The bill would require the certification programs to also be offered to licensed California-licensed veterinarians and registered California-registered veterinary technicians. technicians, as provided.

Existing law establishes the University of California, under the administration of the Regents of the University of California, as one of the segments of public postsecondary education in the state. Existing law vests the University of California with exclusive jurisdiction in public higher education over instruction in the profession of law and over graduate instruction in the professions of medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.

This bill would request that the Regents of the University of California jointly develop with the governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences standards and guidelines for high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter surgical techniques and jointly implement the developed standards and guidelines in elective coursework for veterinary medicine programs at the University of California, Davis, and the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, and a high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification program to be made available to licensed veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians.

 UNFINISHED BUSINESS  

Bill No: SB 1233

Author: Wilk (R)

Amended: 8/20/24

Vote: 21

SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 7-0, 4/10/24

AYES: Newman, Ochoa Bogh, Cortese, Glazer, Gonzalez, Smallwood-Cuevas, Wilk

SENATE BUS., PROF. & ECON. DEV. COMMITTEE: 12-0, 4/22/24

AYES: Ashby, Nguyen, Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Becker, Dodd, Eggman, Glazer, Niello, Roth, Smallwood-Cuevas, Wilk

NO VOTE RECORDED: Menjivar

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 5/16/24

AYES: Caballero, Jones, Ashby, Becker, Bradford, Seyarto, Wahab

SENATE FLOOR: 38-0, 5/24/24

AYES: Alvarado-Gil, Ashby, Atkins, Becker, Blakespear, Bradford, Caballero, Cortese, Dahle, Dodd, Durazo, Eggman, Glazer, Gonzalez, Grove, Hurtado, Jones, Laird, Limón, McGuire, Menjivar, Min, Newman, Nguyen, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Padilla, Portantino, Roth, Rubio, Seyarto, Skinner, Smallwood-Cuevas, Stern, Umberg, Wahab, Wiener, Wilk

NO VOTE RECORDED: Allen, Archuleta

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 76-0, 8/29/24 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Postsecondary education: veterinary medicine: spay and neuter techniques

SOURCE: California Veterinary Medical Association

DIGEST:

This bill authorizes a California veterinary medical school to develop a high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification program to be offered as elective coursework to enrolled students.

Assembly Amendments

(a) strike reference to the University of California (UC) and the Western University of Health Sciences, and instead grant authority to a California veterinary medical school in general; and, (b) reference a single program, rather than multiple programs.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Provides for the licensure and registration of veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians and the regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine by the Veterinary Medical Board. (Business & Professions Code § 4811 et seq)
   
2. Prohibits a public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group from selling or giving away any cat or dog that has not been spayed or neutered, except as provided. (Food & Agricultural Code § 30520)
   
3. Requires the owner of a cat or dog that has not been spayed or neutered and that is impounded by a city or county animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or humane society to receive a specified fine. (Food & Agricultural Code § 31751.7 and § 30804.7)

This bill:

1. Authorizes a California veterinary medical school to develop a high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification program to be offered as elective coursework to enrolled students.
   
2. Authorizes a certification program to charge a reasonable fee to cover the costs associated with offering the program to a California-licensed veterinarian or a California-registered veterinary technician. This bill requires the fee to be paid directly to the veterinary medical school offering the program.
   
3. Prohibits this bill from authorizing California-registered veterinary technicians to perform surgical procedures.
   

Certification program components

1. Requires the certification programs to do all of the following:
   
   1. Provide training in techniques to facilitate safe and efficient ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy, and gonadectomy of cats and dogs.
      
   2. Use and support best practices for high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter procedures and services.
      
   3. Consist of both classroom and surgery lab training.
      
   4. Require students to successfully complete a number of ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, and gonadectomies under the high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter model, as determined by the program.
      
2. Requires a certification program to require a California-licensed veterinarian to successfully complete a number of ovaiectomies, ovariohysterectomies, and gonadectomies under the high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter model, as determined by the program.
   

Certification program students

1. Requires the veterinary medical school to allow California-licensed veterinarians and California-registered veterinary technicians to enroll in the certification program for continuing education and certification purposes, if there are program spaces available after students have enrolled.
   
2. Requires a veterinary medical school that offers the certification program to provide a California-licensed veterinarian or California-registered veterinary technician who successfully completes the certification program with a certificate of completion and a written confirmation of the number of hours spent in active high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter practice.
   
3. Requires a California-licensed veterinarian or California-registered veterinary technician who successfully completes the certification program to receive continuing education credit for program participation.
   

Certification program curriculum

1. Requires the curriculum offered to a California-registered veterinary technician to be consistent with current law and include, among other topics, all of the following:
   
   1. Surgical preparation of the patient.
      
   2. Anesthesia induction and maintenance.
      
   3. Subcutaneous and cutaneous tissue closure.
      
   4. Anesthesia recovery.
      
   5. Emergency and critical care considerations using techniques under the high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter model.
      

Certification program services

1. Requires a certification program to do all of the following:
   
   1. Make available to the public low- or no-cost ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, or gonadectomies for cats and dogs that are performed by students or California-licensed veterinarians enrolled in the program.
      
   2. Develop policies and procedures that prioritize qualifying for the services above based on, at a minimum, income and socioeconomic status.
      
   3. Ensure that the training and care provided or coordinated by the program is at a standard of care that is consistent with those standards of care generally accepted within the veterinary profession.
      

Progress report

1. Requires a California veterinary medical school that offers a certification program to publicly publish, every three years, a progress report that describes the activities of the program. Requires the progress report to include, but not be limited to, all of the following information:
   
   1. The number of cat and dog ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, and gonadectomies performed under the program.
      
   2. The number of certifications issued by the program.
      
   3. The costs associated with implementing and administering the program.
      
   4. The subsidized cost, if any, of surgical services provided to the public.
      

Certification program location

1. Requires a California veterinary medical school that offers a certification program to determine the best available location or locations to host the program including, but not limited to, any of the following locations:
   
   1. On-campus facilities.
      
   2. A public animal control agency or shelter.
      
   3. A society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter.
      
   4. A humane society shelter.
      
   5. A rescue group shelter.
      

Comments

1. Need for the bill. According to the author, “As someone with a rescue dog, it breaks my heart to see so many unnecessary euthanizations happening because of overcrowding in our animal shelters. This first-in-the-nation certification program will significantly expand pet owners’ access to low and no-cost spay-neuter services, saving shelters from overcrowding and pets from unnecessary euthanizations. It’s a win for pets, vets, and animal lovers all around.”
   
2. Spay and neuter techniques. Pet overpopulation is a direct result of a lack of qualified and skilled veterinarians able to provide spay-neuter procedures at shelters, which provide spay-neuter services at a price that most pet owners can reasonably afford. High-quality, high-volume spay and neuter procedures differ from standard spay-neuter treatments as high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter techniques result in significantly higher volumes of spay-neuter treatments compared to traditional approaches. Expanding access to high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification for veterinary students, licensed veterinarians, and registered veterinarian technicians, will in turn expand the supply of safe and effective spay-neuter procedures.
   
   As a part of the high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification program curriculum, students would gain experience performing the surgery in animal shelters. This would accomplish a mutually beneficial result for both pet owners and shelter staff – pet owners’ access to affordable spay-neuter services would be greatly expanded and overcrowding of shelters would decrease in response to more animals receiving spay-neuter treatment.
   
3. California veterinary medical schools. This bill authorizes a California veterinary medical school to develop a high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification program. While this bill does not specify which veterinary medical school, the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and Western University of Health Sciences are the only veterinary medicine colleges in California. 
   
4. Veterinary technicians. This bill allows California-registered veterinary technicians to enroll in a certification program for purposes of continuing education credit. This bill limits the curriculum for technicians to surgical preparation, anesthesia, tissue closure, and emergency care. This bill reaffirms the existing prohibition on veterinarian technicians from performing surgical procedures.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, this bill would impose the following costs:

1. One-time General Fund cost pressures of an unknown amount, though potentially in the low millions of dollars, depending on the number of programs.
2. Cost pressures could be lower to the extent private fund donations are received.

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/26/24)

California Veterinary Medical Association (source)
A Passion for Paws - Akita Rescue
All Beings Cooperative Animal Rescue
All for Love Animal Rescue
Amanda’s Cat Rescue
Amazing Dogs
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Angel’s Furry Friends
Animal Balance
Animal Rescue Mission
Animal Rescue Resource Foundation
Animal Rescuers for Change
Animal Solutions
Animal Wellness Action
Ash Tree Ranch Rescue
Barks of Love Animal Rescue
Better Together Forever
Borrego Animal Rescue
California Animal Welfare Association
Cat Posse Rescue
Catmosphere Laguna Foundation
Deleon Foundation
Dogzone Rescue
Feral Cat Support
Feral Freedom Northern California
Fix Our Shelters
Friends United in Rescue, INC
Grandma Betty’s Animal Rescue
Greater Los Angeles Animal Spay Neuter Collaborative
Gurrs and Purrs Rescue
Hanaeleh
Humane Society of the United States
Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association
Humboldt Humane
Joanne’s Furry Friends
Karmic Rescue Without Borders
Kesar and Cardi LLC
Kindred Spirits Care Farm
Kirkland Foundation
Latino Alliance for Animal Care Foundation
Long Beach Spay and Neuter Foundation
Los Angeles Democrats for The Protection of Animals
Lost and Found Dogs USA Network
Love Leo Rescue
Marin Friends of Ferals
Motherlode Feral Cat Alliance
Ohlone Humane Society
Only Sunshine Sanctuary
Outta the Cage
Pet Protectors League
Precious Purrs Feline Rescue
PreetiRang Sanctuary
Project Minnie
Sacramento Vegan Society
San Diego Humane Society and SPCA
San Francisco SPCA
Saving Imperial Rescue
Second Chance Pet Adoption
Seeds 4 Change Now Animal Rescue
Social Compassion in Legislation
Spay 4 LA
Spay-Neuter Action Project
Start Rescue
Take Me Home
Terra Advocati
The Animal Coalition Group
The Canine Condition
The German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County
The Veterinary Medical Board
TippedEars
UnChainedTv
Westside German Shepherd Rescue
Women United for Animal Welfare
Woody Cat Rescue

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/26/24)

None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 76-0, 8/29/24

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Juan Carrillo, Wendy Carrillo, Chen, Connolly, Megan Dahle, Davies, Dixon, Essayli, Flora, Mike Fong, Friedman, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Holden, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Lackey, Lee, Low, Lowenthal, Maienschein, Mathis, McCarty, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Stephanie Nguyen, Pacheco, Papan, Jim Patterson, Joe Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Rendon, Reyes, Luz Rivas, Rodriguez, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Santiago, Schiavo, Soria, Ta, Ting, Valencia, Villapudua, Waldron, Wallis, Ward, Weber, Wicks, Wilson, Wood, Robert Rivas

NO VOTE RECORDED: Cervantes, Ortega, Zbur

Prepared by: Lynn Lorber / ED. / (916) 651-4105

8/29/24 19:37:52

**** END ****

SENATE THIRD READING

STR Bill Id:SB 1233

Author:(Wilk)

As Amended Ver:August 20, 2024

Majority vote

SUMMARY

Authorizes a California veterinary medical school to develop a high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification programs program to be offered as elective coursework to enrolled students, as specified.

Major Provisions

1. Authorizes a California veterinary medical school to develop a high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification program to be offered as elective coursework to enrolled students.
2. Authorizes a certification program to charge a reasonable fee to cover the costs associated with offering the program to a California-licensed veterinarian or a California-registered veterinary technician. This bill requires the fee to be paid directly to the veterinary medical school offering the program.
3. Prohibits this bill from authorizing California-registered veterinary technicians to perform surgical procedures.

Certification program components

1. Requires the certification programs to do all of the following:
   1. Provide training in techniques to facilitate safe and efficient ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy, and gonadectomy of cats and dogs;
   2. Use and support best practices for high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter procedures and services;
   3. Consist of both classroom and surgery lab training; and,
   4. Successfully complete a number of ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, and gonadectomies under the high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter model, as determined by the program.

Certification program students

1. Specifies that, if there are program spaces available after students have enrolled, a California veterinary medical school that offers a certification program pursuant to subdivision (a) shall allow California-licensed veterinarians and California-registered veterinary technicians to enroll in the certification program for continuing education and certification purposes.
2. Requires a veterinary medical school that offers a certification program to provide a

California-licensed veterinarian or California-registered veterinary technician who successfully completes the certification program with a certificate of completion and a written confirmation of the number of hours spent in active high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter practice.

1. Requires a California-licensed veterinarian or California-registered veterinary technician who successfully complete the certification program to receive continuing education credit for program participation.

Certification program curriculum

1. Requires the curriculum offered to a California-registered veterinary technician to be consistent with current law and include, among other topics, all of the following:
   1. Surgical preparation of the patient;
   2. Anesthesia induction and maintenance;
   3. Subcutaneous and cutaneous tissue closure;
   4. Anesthesia recovery; and,
   5. Emergency and critical care considerations using techniques under the high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter model.

Certification program services

1. Requires a certification program to do all of the following:
   1. Make available to the public low- or no-cost ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, or gonadectomies for cats and dogs that are performed by students or California-licensed veterinarians enrolled in the program;
   2. Develop policies and procedures that prioritize qualifying for the services above based on, at a minimum, income and socioeconomic status; and,
   3. Ensure that the training and care provided or coordinated by the program is at a standard of care that is consistent with those standards of care generally accepted within the veterinary profession.

Progress report

1. Requires a California veterinary medical school that offers a certification program to publicly publish, every three years, a progress report that describes the activities of the program. Requires the progress report to include, but not be limited to, all of the following information:
   1. The number of cat and dog ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, and gonadectomies performed under the certification program;
   2. The number of certifications issued by the program;
   3. The costs associated with implementing and administering the program; and,
   4. The subsidized cost, if any, of surgical services provided to the public.

Certification program location

1. Requires a California veterinary medical school that offers a certification program to determine the best available location or locations to host the program including, but not limited to, any of the following locations:
   1. On-campus facilities;
   2. A public animal control agency or shelter;
   3. A society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter;
   4. A humane society shelter; and,
   5. A rescue group shelter.

Certification program funding

1. Authorizes the Regents of UC and the governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences to seek private fund donations.

COMMENTS

University of California. The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine launched the first shelter medicine program in the world, the Koret Shelter Medicine Program. This program teaches basics such as how to vaccinate, clean, feed, and handle animals, and provides a guide to the whole animal-shelter system (organizational evaluations, facility design consultations, and assistance with outbreak diagnosis and management), all intended to provide practical, cost-effective advice to improve animal welfare and adoptability. The Koret Shelter Medicine Program appears to be well-positioned to take on the task of developing and implementing standards and guidelines for high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter surgical techniques.

Western University of Health Sciences. Western University of Health Sciences is a private non-profit university accredited by the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Western University of Health Sciences confers graduate-level degrees in dental medicine, health sciences, medical sciences, nursing, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine and veterinary medicine, with campuses in Pomona and one in Oregon. Western University of Health Sciences and UC Davis are the only veterinary medicine colleges in California.

California law requires, prior to practicing veterinary medicine, an applicant to graduate from a degree program offered by an accredited postsecondary institution approved by the California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB), pass a national veterinarian examination, and pass an examination provided by the VMB to test the knowledge of the laws and regulations related to the practice of veterinary medicine in California. Existing law exempts faculty and students of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences from the laws regulating the practice of veterinary medicine, and exempts veterinary medical students at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Science from having to take the VMB's law and regulations examination if the student completes certain coursework.

Veterinary technicians. This bill allows California-registered veterinary technicians to enroll in a certification program for purposes of continuing education credit. This bill limits the curriculum for technicians to surgical preparation, anesthesia, tissue closure, and emergency care. This bill reaffirms the existing prohibition on veterinarian technicians from performing surgical procedures.

According to the Author

According to the author, "As someone with a rescue dog, it breaks my heart to see so many unnecessary euthanizations happening because of overcrowding in our animal shelters. This first-in-the-nation certification program will significantly expand pet owners' access to low and no-cost spay-neuter services, saving shelters from overcrowding and pets from unnecessary euthanizations. It's a win for pets, vets, and animal lovers all around."

Arguments in Support

According to the California Veterinary Medical Association, "the creation of certification programs at both veterinary schools will help combat pet overpopulation…These surgery centers will serve dog and cat owners who demonstrate financial need and would like to secure the surgery for their pets."

"Funding for these programs will immediately shift the supply and demand dynamic in the veterinary workforce because graduating veterinary students will immediately leave school with proficiency and experience in [high-quality high-volume spay neuter] surgery- allowing them to 'hit the ground running' in working at shelters, non-profits, and in private practice on spaying and neutering dogs and cats."

Arguments in Opposition

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS

According to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations:

1. One-time General Fund cost pressures of an unknown amount, though potentially in the low millions of dollars, depending on the number of programs.
2. Cost pressures could be lower to the extent private fund donations are received.

According to the Legislative Analyst's Office, the General Fund faces a structural deficit in the tens of billions of dollars over the next several fiscal years.

VOTES

SENATE FLOOR: 38-0-2

YES: Alvarado-Gil, Ashby, Atkins, Becker, Blakespear, Bradford, Caballero, Cortese, Dahle, Dodd, Durazo, Eggman, Glazer, Gonzalez, Grove, Hurtado, Jones, Laird, Limón, McGuire, Menjivar, Min, Newman, Nguyen, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Padilla, Portantino, Roth, Rubio, Seyarto, Skinner, Smallwood-Cuevas, Stern, Umberg, Wahab, Wiener, Wilk

ABS, ABST OR NV: Allen, Archuleta

ASM HIGHER EDUCATION: 10-0-1

YES: Mike Fong, Ta, Arambula, Boerner, Essayli, Irwin, Jackson, Low, Muratsuchi, Quirk-Silva

ABS, ABST OR NV: Chen

ASM BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS: 18-0-0

YES: Berman, Flora, Alanis, Bains, Juan Carrillo, Chen, Dixon, Grayson, Irwin, Jackson, Low, Lowenthal, McKinnor, Stephanie Nguyen, Pellerin, Sanchez, Soria, Zbur

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 14-0-1

YES: Wicks, Sanchez, Arambula, Bryan, Calderon, Wendy Carrillo, Dixon, Mike Fong, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Pellerin, Ta, Villapudua

ABS, ABST OR NV: Jim Patterson

UPDATED

VERSION: August 20, 2024

CONSULTANT: Kevin J. Powers / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960 FN: 0004119

Date of Hearing: August 7, 2024

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Buffy Wicks, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 1233

Author:(Wilk) – As Amended Ver:May 16, 2024

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill, upon appropriation, requests the Regents of the University of California (UC) and the governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences to develop “high-quality, high-volume” spay and neuter certification programs to be offered as elective coursework to students enrolled at their respective institutions.

The certification program is to make available to the public low- or no-cost ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, or gonadectomies for cats and dogs that are performed by students or California-licensed veterinarians enrolled in the program. The bill also specifies that if there are program spaces available after students have enrolled, the University of California and the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine are to allow California-licensed veterinarians and California-registered veterinary technicians to enroll in the certification program for continuing education and certification purposes. The bill allows a certification program to charge a reasonable fee to cover the costs associated with offering the program to a California-licensed veterinarian or a California-registered veterinary technician.

The bill also requires a university that offers a certification program to publicly publish, every three years, a progress report that describes the activities of the program.

The bill allows the Regents of the UC and the governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences to seek private fund donations to develop the neuter certification programs.

FISCAL EFFECT:

1. One-time General Fund costs of about $10 million to UC Davis to renovate its facility to create new surgery and animal holding facilities.
2. Ongoing costs of about $1 million for UC Davis to hire two full time veterinarians, four animal health technicians and one program coordinator, totaling about $1 million annually. Additionally, UC estimates the bill will require $50,000 ongoing costs to cover surgical supplies.

Costs could be lower to the extent UC receives private fund donations.

According to the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the General Fund faces a structural deficit in the tens of billions of dollars over the next several fiscal years.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. According to the author, “This first-in-the-nation certification program will significantly expand pet owners’ access to low and no-cost spay-neuter services, saving shelters from overcrowding and pets from unnecessary euthanizations.”

This bill is sponsored by the California Veterinary Medical Association.

1. Background. California has two veterinary medication colleges: the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the Western University of Health Sciences. The Western University of Health Sciences is a private non-profit university that confers graduate-level degrees in dental medicine, medical sciences, and veterinary medicine, among others, with a campus in Pomona and a campus in Oregon.

This bill requests the UC and the Western University of Health Sciences to develop high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification programs.

1. Related Legislation. AB 2133 (Kalra) authorizes registered veterinary technicians to perform cat neuter surgery, subject to certain conditions. The bill was held on this committee’s suspense file.

Analysis Prepared by: Natasha Collins / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: June 25, 2024

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS

Marc Berman, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 1233

Author:(Wilk) – As Amended Ver:May 16, 2024

NOTE: This bill is double referred and previously passed the Assembly Committee on Higher Education with a vote of 10-0-1.

SENATE VOTE: 38-0

SUBJECT: University of California: Western University of Health Sciences: veterinary medicine: spay and neuter techniques

SUMMARY: Requests the Regents of the University of California (UC), and the governing body of Western University of Health Sciences, to develop “high-quality, high-volume” spay and neuter certification programs at their respective veterinary medicine institutions, upon appropriation by the Legislature.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Establishes, under the California Constitution, the UC as a public trust to be administered by the Regents of the UC with full powers of organization and government, subject only to such legislative control as may be necessary to insure the security of its funds and compliance with the terms of the endowments of the university, and such competitive bidding procedures as may be made applicable to the university for construction contracts, selling real property, and purchasing materials, goods and services. (Constitution of California, Article IX, Section 9)
2. States, under the California Constitution, that the university be entirely independent of all political or sectarian influence and kept free therefrom in the appointment of its regents and in the administration of its affairs. (Constitution of California, Article IX, Section 9 (f))
3. Provides that statutes related to UC, and most other aspects of the governance and operation of UC, are applicable only to the extent that the Regents of UC make such provisions applicable. (Education Code (EDC) Section 67400)
4. Declares the UC as the primary state-supported academic agency for research. (EDC Section 66010.4 (c))
5. Provides for the regulation of veterinary medicine under the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act (Act) and prohibits the practice unlicensed of veterinary medicine. (Business and Professions Code (BPC) §§ 4800-4917)
6. Establishes the Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) within the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) to license and regulate the veterinary medicine profession. (BPC § 4800)
7. Declares it is unlawful to practice veterinary medicine in California unless the individual holds a valid, unexpired, and unrevoked license issued by the VMB. (BPC § 4825)
8. Requires all veterinarians engaged and employed as veterinarians by the state, or a county, city, corporation, firm, or individual to secure a license issued by the VMB. (BPC § 4828)
9. Requires the VMB to adopt regulations delineating animal health care tasks and an appropriate degree of supervision required for those tasks that may be performed solely by an RVT or licensed veterinarian. (BPC § 4836(a))
10. Requires that, among other things, an individual licensed to practice veterinary medicine graduate from a veterinary college recognized by the VMB, or receive a certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) or the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE). (BPC § 4846(a)(1))
11. Clarifies that, if the veterinary college from which an applicant is graduated is not recognized by the VMB, the VMB shall have the authority to determine the qualifications of such graduates and to review the quality of the educational experience attained by them in an unrecognized veterinary college. (BPC § 4846.1)
12. Requires that, with limited exceptions, the VMB issue renewal licenses only to those applicants that have completed a minimum of 36 hours of continuing education in the preceding two years. (BPC § 4846.5)

THIS BILL:

1. Requests, upon an appropriation, the Regents of the UC and the governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine to develop high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification programs to be offered as elective coursework to students enrolled at their respective institutions.
2. Provides that this bill applies to UC only to the extent that the UC Regents agree by resolution, and to the Western University of Health Sciences if agreed upon by the Office of the Provost.
3. Authorizes a certification program to charge a reasonable fee to cover the costs associated with offering the program to a California-licensed veterinarian or a California-registered veterinary technician. This bill requires the fee to be paid directly to the university offering the program.
4. Prohibits this bill from authorizing California-registered veterinary technicians to perform surgical procedures.
5. Requires the certification programs to do all of the following:
   1. Provide training in techniques to facilitate safe and efficient ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy, and gonadectomy of cats and dogs;
   2. Use and support best practices for high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter procedures and services;
   3. Consist of both classroom and surgery lab training; and,
   4. Require students to successfully complete a number of ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, and gonadectomies under the high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter model, as determined by the programs.
6. Requires the UC and the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine to allow California-licensed veterinarians and California-registered veterinary technicians to enroll in the certification program for continuing education and certification purposes.
7. Requires a university that offers the certification program to provide a California-licensed veterinarian or California-registered veterinary technician who successfully completed the certification program with a certificate of completion and a written confirmation of the number of hours spent in active high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter practice.
8. Requires a California-licensed veterinarian or California-registered veterinary technician who successfully completed the certification program to receive continuing education credit for program participation.
9. Requires the curriculum offered to a California-registered veterinary technician to be consistent with current law and include, among other topics, all of the following:
   1. Surgical preparation of the patient;
   2. Anesthesia induction and maintenance;
   3. Subcutaneous and cutaneous tissue closure;
   4. Anesthesia recovery; and,
   5. Emergency and critical care considerations using techniques under the high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter model.
10. Requires a certification program to do all of the following:
    1. Make available to the public low- or no-cost ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, or gonadectomies for cats and dogs that are performed by students or California-licensed veterinarians enrolled in the program;
    2. Develop policies and procedures that prioritize qualifying for the services above based on, at a minimum, income and socioeconomic status; and,
    3. Ensure that the training and care provided or coordinated by the program is at a standard of care that is consistent with those standards of care generally accepted within the veterinary profession.
11. Requires a university that offers a certification program to publicly publish, every three years, a progress report that describes the activities of the program. Requires the progress report to include, but not be limited to, all of the following information:
    1. The number of cat and dog ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, and gonadectomies performed under the certification program;
    2. The number of certifications issued by the program;
    3. The costs associated with implementing and administering the program; and,
    4. The subsidized cost, if any, of surgical services provided to the public.
12. Requires a university that offers a certification program to determine the best available location or locations to host the program including, but not limited to, any of the following locations:
    1. On-campus facilities;
    2. A public animal control agency or shelter;
    3. A society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter;
    4. A humane society shelter; and,
    5. A rescue group shelter.
13. Authorizes the Regents of UC and the governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences to seek private fund donations.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Committee on Appropriations, this bill provides that the certification programs would be contingent upon an appropriation by the Legislature, resulting in additional General Fund cost pressures. The UC estimates one-time costs of $10 million to renovate its current facility at UC Davis to create new surgery and animal holding facilities, and ongoing costs of approximately $1 million each year for 7.0 positions to run the new certification program and purchase surgical supplies. The bill specifies that the UC and the governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences may seek private fund donations to develop the programs

COMMENTS:

Purpose. This bill is sponsored by the California Veterinary Medical Association. According to the author:

The overcrowding crisis at our animal shelters, especially in the High Desert, highlights the severe shortage of veterinarians available to perform critical spay and neuter services. We have a responsibility to address this issue. This bill will help create a skilled workforce capable of performing those services, which will, in turn, reduce overcrowding, eliminate unnecessary euthanizations, and make it easier to find homes for pets in need.

Background.

Efforts to Encourage Pet Sterilization. Over the past several years, California has made efforts to humanely reduce animal overpopulation and encourage the spay and neuter of dogs and cats across the state. In 1998, the Legislature enacted Senate Bill 1785 by Senator Tom Hayden, which formally established that the State of California’s policy is “that no adoptable animal should be euthanized if it can be adopted into a suitable home” and “that no treatable animal should be euthanized.” As part of these goals, and overall efforts to reduce pet overpopulation that leads to euthanasia, this bill and subsequent legislation established a mandate that no public or private animal shelter, humane society, rescue group or other nonprofit shall adopt out any dog or cat that has not been sterilized, subject to very limited exceptions.

More recent, after a successful campaign by the sponsor of this bill and the VMB, a Pet Lover’s License Plate program was established in 2012, and in 2014, SB 1323 (Lieu) was enacted to allocate the proceeds from purchases of this specialty license plate to fund a grant program to eligible veterinary facilities that offer low-cost or no-cost animal sterilization services under the VMB. The most recent distribution of grand funding in 2023 allocated approximately $488,000. This consisted of an estimated amount of $25,000 – $50,000 per award.

The Legislature enacted AB 485 (Williams) in 2015 to create a voluntary tax return checkoff to provide revenue to a Prevention of Animal Homelessness and Cruelty Fund. This checkoff allocates money to local animal control agencies and shelters to support spay and neuter activities and to prevent and eliminate dog and cat homelessness. In 2022, a total of $308,449 was contributed through the checkoff, and approximately $250,000 was awarded that year to eligible agencies, with an estimated amount of $7,500 – $22,500 per award.

In February of 2022, the California for All Animals program was launched to advance marketing and outreach efforts designed to engage shelters in every region of the state that met the goals outlined in the Animal Shelter Assistance Act. $15.5 million in grant awards have since been awarded, along with $12.5 million for in-person visits, trainings, outreach, and program expenses. Grant funding is prioritized for programs to increase low-cost and free spay/neuter services, access to low cost and free veterinary care to prevent owner relinquishment to animal shelters, and programs that reunite lost pets with their owners and incentivize making adoption accessible for all communities.

Finally, last year the Assembly and Senate passed ACR 86 authored by Assemblymember Kalra. This resolution puts a spotlight on the national and statewide pet overpopulation crisis, noting the increase in pet adoptions and purchases throughout the COVID-19 pandemic which exacerbated these issues. This resolution also notes the lack of low-cost and free spay and neuter options, as well as disparities in access to veterinary care. This resolution made a commitment to pursue policies that increase the availability of low-cost, high volume spay and neuter and encourage more out-of-state veterinarians and RVTs to perform and assist with sterilization.

Earlier this year, this committee considered AB 2133 by Assemblymember Kalra, which would have authorized registered veterinary technicians to perform cat neuter surgeries, subject to specified requirements and conditions. Despite passing this committee with recommended amendments, it was held in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations. This bill – sponsored by the California Veterinary Medical Association, who were opposed to AB 2133 - takes an alternate approach within the same spirit of that legislation, requesting that, upon a future appropriation, the Regents of the UC and the governing body of Western University of Health Sciences develop “high-quality, high-volume” spay and neuter certification programs at their respective veterinary medicine institutions.

Accredited veterinary schools. Currently, California accredits two veterinary schools – the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in Davis, and the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona. In particular, UC Davis oversees the Koret Shelter Medicine Program (KSMP), with research specializing in the state’s adoption outcomes and shelter management improvement. Among other research projects and initiatives, KSMP administers the $50 million “California for All Animals” grant program established in the 2020-21 budget which aims to fulfill the state’s goal that no healthy animal is euthanized in a shelter. Leadership from both schools work closely through veterinary and educational associations to develop and evolve their curriculum and programming, and seem well-equipped to develop the programming requested in this legislation, subject to sufficient funding.

Current Related Legislation.

AB 2012 (Lee) would have required the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to collect specified data from public animal shelters as part of their annual rabies control activities reporting, and authorized the CDPH to contract out this requirement to a California accredited veterinary school. This bill was held in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.

AB 2133 (Kalra) would have authorized registered veterinary technicians to perform cat neuter surgery, subject to specified conditions. This bill was held in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.

Prior Related Legislation.

AB 1535 (Committee on Business and Professions) Chapter 631, Statutes of 2021, enacted various changes to the regulation of veterinarians, RVTs, Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permit (VACSP) holders, veterinary schools, and veterinary premises, stemming from the joint sunset review oversight of the Veterinary Medical Board (Board) by the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions and the Senate Committee on Business, Professions, and Economic Development.

SB 1347 (Galgiani) from 2020 would have expanded exemptions to the practice of veterinary medicine to include specified functions performed at a shelter, as defined, by an employee or volunteer who has obtained specified training. This bill was held in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.

AB 485 (Williams) Chapter 557, Statutes of 2015, created a voluntary tax return checkoff to provide revenue to a Prevention of Animal Homelessness and Cruelty Fund, which allocates money to local animal shelters to support spay and neuter activities and eliminate dog and cat homelessness.

SB 1323 (Lieu) Chapter 375, Statutes of 2014 appropriated money collected from the Pet Lover’s License Plate Program to the Veterinary Medical Board for the sole and exclusive purpose of funding grants to providers of no-cost or low-cost animal sterilization services.

SB 1785 (Hayden) Chapter 752, Statutes of 1998 established, among other things, that the State of California’s policy is that no adoptable animal should be euthanized if it can be adopted into a suitable home, and policies promoting the spay and neuter of dogs and cats in the state.

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT:

This bill is sponsored by the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). CVMA writes: “CVMA has been in regular contact with the two veterinary schools affected by the bill and we look forward to continuing our positive conversations with them relative to the best way for the schools to implement this game-changing endeavor.”

REGISTERED SUPPORT:

California Veterinary Medical Association (sponsor)
Humane Society of the United States
Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association

REGISTERED OPPOSITION:

None on file.

Analysis Prepared by: Edward Franco / B. & P. / (916) 319-3301

Date of Hearing: June 18, 2024

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Mike Fong, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 1233

Author:(Wilk) – As Amended Ver:May 16, 2024

[Note: This bill is double referred to the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions and will be heard by that Committee as it relates to issues under its jurisdiction.]

SENATE VOTE: 38-0

SUBJECT: University of California: Western University of Health Sciences: veterinary medicine: spay and neuter techniques

SUMMARY: Requests, upon an appropriation for this purpose, the University of California (UC) and the Western University of Health Sciences to develop high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification programs. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requests, upon an appropriation, the Regents of the UC and the governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine to develop high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification programs to be offered as elective coursework to students enrolled at their respective institutions.
2. Provides that this bill applies to UC only to the extent that the UC Regents agree by resolution, and to the Western University of Health Sciences if agreed upon by the Office of the Provost.
3. Authorizes a certification program to charge a reasonable fee to cover the costs associated with offering the program to a California-licensed veterinarian or a California-registered veterinary technician. This bill requires the fee to be paid directly to the university offering the program.
4. Prohibits this bill from authorizing California-registered veterinary technicians to perform surgical procedures.

Certification program components

1. Requires the certification programs to do all of the following:
   1. Provide training in techniques to facilitate safe and efficient ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy, and gonadectomy of cats and dogs;
   2. Use and support best practices for high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter procedures and services;
   3. Consist of both classroom and surgery lab training; and,
   4. Require students to successfully complete a number of ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, and gonadectomies under the high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter model, as determined by the programs.

Certification program students

1. Requires the UC and the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine to allow California-licensed veterinarians and California-registered veterinary technicians to enroll in the certification program for continuing education and certification purposes.
2. Requires a university that offers the certification program to provide a California-licensed veterinarian or California-registered veterinary technician who successfully complete the certification program with a certificate of completion and a written confirmation of the number of hours spent in active high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter practice.
3. Requires a California-licensed veterinarian or California-registered veterinary technician who successfully complete the certification program to receive continuing education credit for program participation.

Certification program curriculum

1. Requires the curriculum offered to a California-registered veterinary technician to be consistent with current law and include, among other topics, all of the following:
   1. Surgical preparation of the patient;
   2. Anesthesia induction and maintenance;
   3. Subcutaneous and cutaneous tissue closure;
   4. Anesthesia recovery; and,
   5. Emergency and critical care considerations using techniques under the high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter model.

Certification program services

1. Requires a certification program to do all of the following:
   1. Make available to the public low- or no-cost ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, or gonadectomies for cats and dogs that are performed by students or California-licensed veterinarians enrolled in the program;
   2. Develop policies and procedures that prioritize qualifying for the services above based on, at a minimum, income and socioeconomic status; and,
   3. Ensure that the training and care provided or coordinated by the program is at a standard of care that is consistent with those standards of care generally accepted within the veterinary profession.

Progress report

1. Requires a university that offers a certification program to publicly publish, every three years, a progress report that describes the activities of the program. Requires the progress report to include, but not be limited to, all of the following information:
   1. The number of cat and dog ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, and gonadectomies performed under the certification program;
   2. The number of certifications issued by the program;
   3. The costs associated with implementing and administering the program; and,
   4. The subsidized cost, if any, of surgical services provided to the public.

Certification program location

1. Requires a university that offers a certification program to determine the best available location or locations to host the program including, but not limited to, any of the following locations:
   1. On-campus facilities;
   2. A public animal control agency or shelter;
   3. A society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter;
   4. A humane society shelter; and,
   5. A rescue group shelter.

Certification program funding

1. Authorizes the Regents of UC and the governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences to seek private fund donations.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Establishes, under the California Constitution, the UC as a public trust to be administered by the Regents of the UC with full powers of organization and government, subject only to such legislative control as may be necessary to insure the security of its funds and compliance with the terms of the endowments of the university, and such competitive bidding procedures as may be made applicable to the university for construction contracts, selling real property, and purchasing materials, goods and services. (Constitution of California, Article IX, Section 9)
2. States, under the California Constitution, that the university be entirely independent of all political or sectarian influence and kept free therefrom in the appointment of its regents and in the administration of its affairs. (Constitution of California, Article IX, Section 9 (f))
3. Provides that statutes related to UC (and most other aspects of the governance and operation of UC) are applicable only to the extent that the Regents of UC make such provisions applicable. (Education Code (EDC) Section 67400)
4. Declares the UC as the primary state-supported academic agency for research. (EDC Section 66010.4 (c))
5. Provides for the licensure and registration of veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians and the regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine by the Veterinary Medical Board. (Business & Professions Code Section 4811 et seq)
6. Prohibits a public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group from selling or giving away any cat or dog that has not been spayed or neutered, except as provided. (Food & Agricultural Code Section 30520)
7. Requires the owner of a cat or dog that has not been spayed or neutered and that is impounded by a city or county animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or humane society to receive a specified fine. (Food & Agricultural Code Sections 31751.7 and 0804.7)

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Committee on Appropriations, SB 1233 (Wilk) provides that the certification programs would be contingent upon an appropriation by the Legislature, resulting in additional General Fund cost pressures. The UC estimates one-time costs of $10 million to renovate its current facility at UC Davis to create new surgery and animal holding facilities, and ongoing costs of approximately $1 million each year for 7.0 positions to run the new certification program and purchase surgical supplies. The bill specifies that the UC and the governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences may seek private fund donations to develop the programs

COMMENTS: According to the author, “As someone with a rescue dog, it breaks my heart to see so many unnecessary euthanizations happening because of overcrowding in our animal shelters. This first-in-the-nation certification program will significantly expand pet owners’ access to low and no-cost spay-neuter services, saving shelters from overcrowding and pets from unnecessary euthanizations. It’s a win for pets, vets, and animal lovers all around.”

University of California. The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine launched the first shelter medicine program in the world, the Koret Shelter Medicine Program. This program teaches basics such as how to vaccinate, clean, feed, and handle animals, and provides a guide to the whole animal-shelter system (organizational evaluations, facility design consultations, and assistance with outbreak diagnosis and management), all intended to provide practical, cost-effective advice to improve animal welfare and adoptability. The Koret Shelter Medicine Program appears to be well-positioned to take on the task of developing and implementing standards and guidelines for high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter surgical techniques.

Western University of Health Sciences. Western University of Health Sciences is a private non-profit university accredited by the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Western University of Health Sciences confers graduate-level degrees in dental medicine, health sciences, medical sciences, nursing, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine and veterinary medicine, with campuses in Pomona and one in Oregon. Western University of Health Sciences and UC Davis are the only veterinary medicine colleges in California.

California law requires, prior to practicing veterinary medicine, an applicant to graduate from a degree program offered by an accredited postsecondary institution approved by the California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB), pass a national veterinarian examination, and pass an examination provided by the VMB to test the knowledge of the laws and regulations related to the practice of veterinary medicine in California. Existing law exempts faculty and students of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences from the laws regulating the practice of veterinary medicine, and exempts veterinary medical students at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Science from having to take the VMB's law and regulations examination if the student completes certain coursework.

Veterinary technicians. This bill allows California-registered veterinary technicians to enroll in a certification program for purposes of continuing education credit. This bill limits the curriculum for technicians to surgical preparation, anesthesia, tissue closure, and emergency care. This bill reaffirms the existing prohibition on veterinarian technicians from performing surgical procedures.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

American Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

California Animal Welfare Association

California Veterinary Medical Association

Fix Our Shelters

Humane Society of The United States; the

Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association

San Diego Humane Society and Spca

San Francisco Spca

Social Compassion in Legislation

The Veterinary Medical Board

Opposition

None on file.

Analysis Prepared by: Kevin J. Powers / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: SB 1233

Author: Wilk (R)

Amended: 5/16/24

Vote: 21

SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 7-0, 4/10/24

AYES: Newman, Ochoa Bogh, Cortese, Glazer, Gonzalez, Smallwood-Cuevas, Wilk

SENATE BUS., PROF. & ECON. DEV. COMMITTEE: 12-0, 4/22/24

AYES: Ashby, Nguyen, Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Becker, Dodd, Eggman, Glazer, Niello, Roth, Smallwood-Cuevas, Wilk

NO VOTE RECORDED: Menjivar

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 5/16/24

AYES: Caballero, Jones, Ashby, Becker, Bradford, Seyarto, Wahab

SUBJECT: University of California: Western University of Health Sciences: veterinary medicine: spay and neuter techniques

SOURCE: California Veterinary Medical Association

DIGEST:

This bill requests, upon an appropriation for this purpose, the University of California (UC) and the Western University of Health Sciences to develop high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification programs.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes, under the California Constitution, the UC as a public trust to be administered by the Regents of the UC with full powers of organization and government, subject only to such legislative control as may be necessary to insure the security of its funds and compliance with the terms of the endowments of the university, and such competitive bidding procedures as may be made applicable to the university for construction contracts, selling real property, and purchasing materials, goods and services. (Constitution of California, Article IX, Section 9)
   
2. States, under the California Constitution, that the university be entirely independent of all political or sectarian influence and kept free therefrom in the appointment of its regents and in the administration of its affairs. (Constitution of California, Article IX, Section 9 (f))
   
3. Provides that statutes related to UC (and most other aspects of the governance and operation of UC) are applicable only to the extent that the Regents of UC make such provisions applicable. (Education Code (EC) § 67400)
   
4. Declares the UC as the primary state-supported academic agency for research.
   (EC § 66010.4 (c))
   
5. Provides for the licensure and registration of veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians and the regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine by the Veterinary Medical Board. (Business & Professions Code § 4811 et seq)
   
6. Prohibits a public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group from selling or giving away any cat or dog that has not been spayed or neutered, except as provided. (Food & Agricultural Code § 30520)
   
7. Requires the owner of a cat or dog that has not been spayed or neutered and that is impounded by a city or county animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or humane society to receive a specified fine. (Food & Agricultural Code § 31751.7 and § 30804.7)

This bill:

1. Requests, upon an appropriation, the Regents of the UC and the governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine to develop high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification programs to be offered as elective coursework to students enrolled at their respective institutions.
   
2. Provides that this bill applies to UC only to the extent that the UC Regents agree by resolution, and to the Western University of Health Sciences if agreed upon by the Office of the Provost.
   
3. Authorizes a certification program to charge a reasonable fee to cover the costs associated with offering the program to a California-licensed veterinarian or a California-registered veterinary technician. This bill requires the fee to be paid directly to the university offering the program.
   
4. Prohibits this bill from authorizing California-registered veterinary technicians to perform surgical procedures.
   

Certification program components

1. Requires the certification programs to do all of the following:
   
   1. Provide training in techniques to facilitate safe and efficient ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy, and gonadectomy of cats and dogs.
      
   2. Use and support best practices for high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter procedures and services.
      
   3. Consist of both classroom and surgery lab training.
      
   4. Require students to successfully complete a number of ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, and gonadectomies under the high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter model, as determined by the programs.
      

Certification program students

1. Requires the UC and the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine to allow California-licensed veterinarians and California-registered veterinary technicians to enroll in the certification program for continuing education and certification purposes.
   
2. Requires a university that offers the certification program to provide a California-licensed veterinarian or California-registered veterinary technician who successfully complete the certification program with a certificate of completion and a written confirmation of the number of hours spent in active high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter practice.
   
3. Requires a California-licensed veterinarian or California-registered veterinary technician who successfully complete the certification program to receive continuing education credit for program participation.
   

Certification program curriculum

1. Requires the curriculum offered to a California-registered veterinary technician to be consistent with current law and include, among other topics, all of the following:
   
   1. Surgical preparation of the patient.
      
   2. Anesthesia induction and maintenance.
      
   3. Subcutaneous and cutaneous tissue closure.
      
   4. Anesthesia recovery.
      
   5. Emergency and critical care considerations using techniques under the high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter model.
      

Certification program services

1. Requires a certification program to do all of the following:
   
   1. Make available to the public low- or no-cost ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, or gonadectomies for cats and dogs that are performed by students or California-licensed veterinarians enrolled in the program.
      
   2. Develop policies and procedures that prioritize qualifying for the services above based on, at a minimum, income and socioeconomic status.
      
   3. Ensure that the training and care provided or coordinated by the program is at a standard of care that is consistent with those standards of care generally accepted within the veterinary profession.
      

Progress report

1. Requires a university that offers a certification program to publicly publish, every three years, a progress report that describes the activities of the program. Requires the progress report to include, but not be limited to, all of the following information:
   
   1. The number of cat and dog ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, and gonadectomies performed under the certification program.
      
   2. The number of certifications issued by the program.
      
   3. The costs associated with implementing and administering the program.
      
   4. The subsidized cost, if any, of surgical services provided to the public.
      

Certification program location

1. Requires a university that offers a certification program to determine the best available location or locations to host the program including, but not limited to, any of the following locations:
   
   1. On-campus facilities.
      
   2. A public animal control agency or shelter.
      
   3. A society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter.
      
   4. A humane society shelter.
      
   5. A rescue group shelter.
      

Certification program funding

1. Authorizes the Regents of UC and the governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences to seek private fund donations.

Comments

1. Need for the bill. According to the author, “As someone with a rescue dog, it breaks my heart to see so many unnecessary euthanizations happening because of overcrowding in our animal shelters. This first-in-the-nation certification program will significantly expand pet owners’ access to low and no-cost spay-neuter services, saving shelters from overcrowding and pets from unnecessary euthanizations. It’s a win for pets, vets, and animal lovers all around.”
   
2. Spay and neuter techniques. Pet overpopulation is a direct result of a lack of qualified and skilled veterinarians able to provide spay-neuter procedures at shelters, which provide spay-neuter services at a price that most pet owners can reasonably afford. High-quality, high-volume spay and neuter procedures differ from standard spay-neuter treatments as high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter techniques result in significantly higher volumes of spay-neuter treatments compared to traditional approaches. Expanding access to high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification for veterinary students, licensed veterinarians, and registered veterinarian technicians, will in turn expand the supply of safe and effective spay-neuter procedures.
   
   As a part of the high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification program curriculum, students would gain experience performing the surgery in animal shelters. This would accomplish a mutually beneficial result for both pet owners and shelter staff – pet owners’ access to affordable spay-neuter services would be greatly expanded and overcrowding of shelters would decrease in response to more animals receiving spay-neuter treatment.
   
3. University of California. The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine launched the first shelter medicine program in the world, the Koret Shelter Medicine Program. This program teaches basics such as how to vaccinate, clean, feed, and handle animals, and provides a guide the whole animal-shelter system (organizational evaluations, facility design consultations, and assistance with outbreak diagnosis and management), all intended to provide practical, cost-effective advice to improve animal welfare and adoptability.
   
   The Koret Shelter Medicine Program appears to be well-positioned to take on the task of developing and implementing standards and guidelines for high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter surgical techniques.
   
4. Western University of Health Sciences. Western University of Health Sciences is a private non-profit university accredited by the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Western University of Health Sciences confers graduate-level degrees in dental medicine, health sciences, medical sciences, nursing, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine and veterinary medicine, with campuses in Pomona and one in Oregon. Western University of Health Sciences and UC Davis are the only veterinary medicine colleges in California. 

California law requires, prior to practicing veterinary medicine, an applicant to graduate from a degree program offered by an accredited postsecondary institution approved by the California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB), pass a national veterinarian examination, and pass an examination provided by the VMB to test the knowledge of the laws and regulations related to the practice of veterinary medicine in California.

Existing law exempts faculty and students of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences from the laws regulating the practice of veterinary medicine, and exempts veterinary medical students at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Science from having to take the VMB's law and regulations examination if the student completes certain coursework.

1. Veterinary technicians. This bill allows California-registered veterinary technicians to enroll in a certification program for purposes of continuing education credit. This bill limits the curriculum for technicians to surgical preparation, anesthesia, tissue closure, and emergency care. This bill reaffirms the existing prohibition on veterinarian technicians from performing surgical procedures.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, this bill provides that the certification programs would be contingent upon an appropriation by the Legislature, resulting in additional General Fund cost pressures. The UC estimates one-time costs of $10 million to renovate its current facility at UC Davis to create new surgery and animal holding facilities, and ongoing costs of approximately $1 million each year for 7.0 positions to run the new certification program and purchase surgical supplies. The bill specifies that the UC and the governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences may seek private fund donations to develop the programs

SUPPORT: (Verified 5/16/24)

California Veterinary Medical Association (source)
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

California Animal Welfare Association

Fix Our Shelters

Humane Society of the United States

Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association

San Diego Humane Society

San Francisco SPCA
Social Compassion in Legislation

Veterinary Medical Board, Department of Consumer Affairs

OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/16/24)

None received

Prepared by: Lynn Lorber / ED. / (916) 651-4105

5/19/24 9:00:02

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON

Senator Anna Caballero, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular Session

SB 1233 (Wilk) - University of California: Western University of Health Sciences: veterinary medicine: spay and neuter techniques

Bill Summary:

This bill requires the University of California (UC) and the Western University of Health Sciences to develop high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification programs.

*********** ANALYSIS ADDENDUM – SUSPENSE FILE ***********

The following information is revised to reflect amendments

adopted by the committee on May 16, 2024

Fiscal Impact:

This bill provides that the certification programs would be contingent upon an appropriation by the Legislature, resulting in additional General Fund cost pressures. The UC estimates one-time costs of $10 million to renovate its current facility at UC Davis to create new surgery and animal holding facilities, and ongoing costs of approximately $1 million each year for 7.0 positions to run the new certification program and purchase surgical supplies. The bill specifies that the UC and the governing body pf the Western University of Health Sciences may seek private fund donations to develop the programs.

Author Amendments:

Make clarifying changes and provide that the UC and the governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences develop the spay and neuter certification programs upon appropriation by the Legislature.

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON

Senator Anna Caballero, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular Session

SB 1233 (Wilk) - University of California: Western University of Health Sciences: veterinary medicine: spay and neuter techniques

Bill Summary:

This bill requires the University of California (UC) and the Western University of Health Sciences to develop high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification programs.

Fiscal Impact:

This bill provides that the certification program is to be funded through a combination of private fund donations and General Fund dollars, subject to an appropriation being made in the Budget Act of 2024.

The UC estimates one-time General Fund costs of $10 million to renovate its current facility at UC Davis to create new surgery and animal holding facilities, and ongoing General Fund costs of approximately $1 million each year for 7.0 positions to run the new certification program and purchase surgical supplies.

Background:

Existing law establishes, under the California Constitution, the UC as a public trust to be administered by the Regents of the UC with full powers of organization and government, subject only to such legislative control as may be necessary to insure the security of its funds and compliance with the terms of the endowments of the university, and such competitive bidding procedures as may be made applicable to the university for construction contracts, selling real property, and purchasing materials, goods and services. Existing law provides that statutes related to UC (and most other aspects of the governance and operation of UC) are applicable only to the extent that the Regents of UC make such provisions applicable.

Proposed Law:

This bill requires the Regents of the UC and the governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine to develop high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification programs to be offered as elective coursework to students enrolled at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine.

This bill provides that it applies to UC only to the extent that the UC Regents agree by resolution, and to the Western University of Health Sciences if agreed upon by the Office of the Provost.

This bill authorizes a certification program to charge a reasonable fee to cover the costs associated with offering the program to a California-licensed veterinarian or a California-registered veterinary technician. This bill requires the fee to be paid directly to the university offering the program.

This bill prohibits this bill from authorizing California-registered veterinary technicians to perform surgical procedures.

This bill requires the certification programs to provide training in techniques to facilitate safe and efficient ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy, and gonadectomy of cats and dogs; use and support best practices for high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter procedures and services; consist of both classroom and surgery lab training; and require students to successfully complete a number of ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, and gonadectomies under the high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter model, as determined by the programs.

This bill requires the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine to allow California-licensed veterinarians and California-registered veterinary technicians to enroll in the certification program for continuing education and certification purposes.

This bill requires a university that offers the certification program to provide a California-licensed veterinarian or California-registered veterinary technician who successfully complete the certification program with a certificate of completion and a written confirmation of the number of hours spent in active high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter practice. It also requires a California-licensed veterinarian or California-registered veterinary technician who successfully complete the certification program to receive continuing education credit for program participation.

This bill requires the curriculum offered to a California-registered veterinary technician to be consistent with current law and include certain topics, as specified.

This bill requires a certification program to do all of the following:

1. Make available to the public low- or no-cost ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, or gonadectomies for cats and dogs that are performed by students or California-licensed veterinarians enrolled in the program.
   
2. Develop policies and procedures that prioritize qualifying for the services above based on, at a minimum, income and socioeconomic status.
   
3. Ensure that the training and care provided or coordinated by the program is at a standard of care that is consistent with those standards of care generally accepted within the veterinary profession.
   

This bill requires a university that offers a certification program to publicly publish, every three years, a progress report that describes the activities of the program. This bill requires the progress report to include, but not be limited to, all of the following information:

1. The number of cat and dog ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, and gonadectomies performed under the certification program.
   
2. The number of certifications issued by the program.
   
3. The costs associated with implementing and administering the program.
   
4. The subsidized cost, if any, of surgical services provided to the public.
   

This bill requires a university that offers a certification program to determine the best available location or locations to host the program, as specified.

Related Legislation:

AB 2133 (Kalra, 2024) authorizes a registered veterinary technician to perform neuter surgery on a male domestic cat under the direct supervision of a veterinarian if specified conditions are met. AB 2133 is pending in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Staff Comments:

In order to implement SB 1233, the UC estimates it will cost approximately $10 million in one-time costs to renovate its current facility at UC Davis to create new surgery and animal holding facilities. In order to run this program, UC Davis will need to hire two full time veterinarians, four animal health technicians and one program coordinator. The UC estimates the General Fund cost for these seven full time FTEs to be approximately $1 million each year. Additionally, UC estimates the bill will require $50,000 in ongoing General Fund costs to cover surgical supplies.

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON

BUSINESS, PROFESSIONS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Senator Angelique Ashby, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular

Bill No: SB 1233 Hearing Date: April 22, 2024

Subject: University of California: Western University of Health Sciences: veterinary medicine: spay and neuter techniques.

SUMMARY:

Requires the University of California (UC) and the Western University of Health Sciences (WUHS) to develop a high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification program.

NOTE: This bill was previously heard in the Senate Committee on Education. The bill passed 7-0 on April 10, 2024.

Existing law:

1. Establishes the Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) to license and regulate veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians (RVTs), to issue premises permits for veterinary hospitals, and to issue Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permits (VACSPs). (Business and Professions Code (BPC) § 4800 et seq.)
   
2. Requires an individual to meet the following requirements in order practice veterinary medicine in California:
   
3. Graduate from a veterinary college recognized by the VMB or received certification from the Education Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduated or the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence;
   
4. Complete a VMB-approved license application;
   
5. Pay the specified licensing fees;
   
6. Submit fingerprints to the DOJ for purposes of criminal record inquiries, as specified; and
   
7. Pass the required licensing examinations, as specified. (BPC § 4846)
   
8. Authorizes the VMB to inspect, at any time, the premises in which veterinary medicine, veterinary dentistry, or veterinary surgery is being practiced, but does not extend to those locations that are not registered by the VMB, as specified. (BPC § 4809.5)
9. Requires all veterinarians actually engaged and employed, as veterinarians by the state, or a county, city, corporation, firm or individual are practicing veterinary medicine to secure a license from the VMB. (BPC § 4828)
   
10. Requires a licensed veterinarian to complete 36 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years, and permits a veterinarian to obtain 4 hours of CE by providing pro bono spaying or neutering services, under the supervision of a public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group, as specified. (BPC § 4846.5(b)(2)(B))
    
11. Authorizes the VMB, through regulations, to determine the appropriate CE for RVTs, as specified. (BPC § 4838)
    
12. Requires the VMB to adopt regulations establishing animal health care tasks and an appropriate degree of supervision required for those tasks that may be performed only by a RVT or veterinarian. (BPC § 4836(a))
    
13. Provides that statutes related to UC (and most other aspects of the governance and operation of UC) are applicable only to the extent that the Regents of UC make such provisions applicable. (Education Code (EC) § 67400)
    
14. States that the Legislature requests the Regents of the University of California establish the Animal Shelter Assistance Program and direct the UC Davis, Koret Shelter Medicine Program to administer the program, as specified. (EC § 92658(f))
    
15. Prohibits a public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group from selling or giving away any cat or dog that has not been spayed or neutered, except as provided. (Food & Agricultural Code (FAC) § 30520)
    
16. Requires the owner of a cat or dog that has not been spayed or neutered and that is impounded by a city or county animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or humane society to receive a specified fine. (FAC § 31751.7 and § 30804.7)

This bill:

1. Requires the UC and the governing body of the WUHS to develop high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification programs to be offered as elective coursework to students enrolled at the UC Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine and the WUHS college of veterinary medicine.
   
2. Requires the certification program in 1) above to do all of the following:
   
3. Provide training in techniques to facilitate safe and efficient ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy, and gonadectomy of cats and dogs (procedures);
   
4. Use and support best practices for high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter procedures and services;
   
5. Consist of both classroom and surgery lab training; and,
   
6. Require students to successfully complete a number of procedures under the high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter model, as determined by the programs.
   
7. Permits the UC Davis School of veterinary medicine and the WUHS College of veterinary medicine to allow both licensed veterinarians and RVTs to enroll in the certification program for CE purposes.
   
8. Requires a university that offers the certification program to provide either a California-licensed veterinarian or RVT who successfully completes the certification program with a certificate of completion and a written confirmation of the number of hours spent in active high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter practice.
   
9. States that a licensed veterinarian and RVT who completes the certification program to receive credit for CE.
   
10. Requires the curriculum offered specifically for a RVT to be consistent with current law and include, among other topics, all of the following:
    
11. Surgical preparation of the patient;
    
12. Anesthesia induction and maintenance;
    
13. Subcutaneous and cutaneous tissue closure;
    
14. Anesthesia recovery;
    
15. Emergency and critical care considerations using techniques under the high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter model.
16. Requires a certification program in 1) above to require a California-licensed veterinarian to successfully complete a number of procedures, as determined by the program.
    
17. Authorizes the certification program to charge a reasonable fee to cover the costs associated with offering the program, as specified, and the fee must be paid directly to the university offering the program.
    
18. Requires a certification program offered, pursuant to the provisions of this bill, to do all of the following:
    
19. Make low- or no-cost procedures available to the public for cats and dogs that are performed by students or California-licensed veterinarians enrolled in the program.
    
20. Develop policies and procedures that prioritize qualifying for procedure services based on, at a minimum, income and socioeconomic status;
    
21. Ensure that the training and care provided or coordinated by the program is at a standard of care that is consistent with those standards of care generally accepted within the veterinary profession.
22. Requires a university that offers a certification program to publicly publish, every three years, a progress report that describes the activities of the program which must include, but is not limited to, the following information:
    
23. The number of cat and dog procedures;
    
24. The number of certifications issued;
    
25. The costs associated with implementing and administering the program; and,
26. The subsidized costs, if any, of surgical services to the public.
    
27. Requires a university that offers a certification program to determine the best available location or locations to host the program including, but not limited to, any of the following locations:
    
28. On-campus facilities;
    
29. A public animal control agency or shelter;
    
30. A society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter;
    
31. A humane society shelter; or
    
32. A rescue group shelter.
    
33. Requires the funding for a certification program to be a combination of private fund donations and General Fund monies subject to an appropriation being made in the Budget Act of 2024.
    
34. States that the provisions of this bill do not authorize a RVT to perform surgery.
    
35. Specifies that this bill apply to the UC only to the extent that the regents, by appropriate resolution, make any of these provisions applicable to the university.
    
36. States that this bill only applies to the WUHS only to the extent that the Office of the Provost makes any of these provisions applicable to the University.

FISCAL EFFECT:

Unknown. This bill is keyed fiscal by the Legislative Counsel.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. The California Veterinary Medical Association is the sponsor of this bill. According to the author, “The problem the bill seeks to address is pet overpopulation in animal shelters. Pet overpopulation is primarily due the widespread unavailability of affordable spay and neuter services. A spay or neuter service in California can cost up to $550; when someone is struggling to pay for rent and groceries, veterinary care can quickly become a luxury. Unfortunately, this is a widespread issue and dogs and cats don’t alter their reproductive habits in light of their owners’ financial plights. On the other hand, shelters that provide low or no cost spay-neuter services, “cannot [consistently] find a veterinarian to perform the [HQHVSN] surgery,” (CVMA). While overworked and understaffed shelters do their best to provide care via spay-neuter procedures, euthanasia is a common tragic but necessary final option.”
2. Background.

VMB, Veterinarians, and the Practice of Veterinary Medicine. The veterinary medical profession provides health care to livestock, poultry, and pets from birds, fish, rabbits, hamsters, and snakes to dogs, cats, goats, pigs, horses, and llamas. There are recognized specialties in veterinary medicine including surgery, internal medicine, pathology, and ophthalmology.

The VMB is the regulatory entity responsible for the licensure and regulation of veterinarians, RVTs, schools and programs along with veterinary premises and hospitals through the enforcement of the Act. The VMB develops and enforces the standards for examinations, licensing, and hospital and school inspections. Additionally, the VMB has enforcement authority to take actions against both licensed and unlicensed persons for any violation of the Act, including unlicensed practice.

To practice veterinary medicine in California, an applicant must graduate from a degree program offered by an accredited postsecondary institution or institutions approved by the VMB, pass a national veterinarian examination, and pass an examination provided by the VMB to test the knowledge of the laws and regulations related to the practice of veterinary medicine in California.

As specified in current regulations, 16 CCR § 2064, all schools accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) shall be deemed by the VMB to have met the minimum requirements for approved schools specified in 16 CCR §2065. All other veterinary colleges must have academic standards equivalent to schools accredited by the AVMA to be recognized by the VMB.

For veterinary programs outside of California, a person must obtain education from a school that is either approved by the VMB, or obtain a certificate from either the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates or the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence, which provide a pathway for graduates of international, non-accredited veterinary programs seeking to practice in the United States.

Currently in California, there are two universities accredited by the AVMA, for purposes of licensure, the University of California, Davis and the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona. This bill would require, upon approval of the academic institutions’ governing bodies, the creation of a high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter program. The program would not be required for students to complete a veterinary medicine program, but would lead to a voluntarily obtained certification from the school. As part of the program training, the students (veterinary students, licensed veterinarians, and RVTs) would provide spay and neuter services to the public as part of the certification program curriculum, and gain experience performing and preparing the surgery on live animals. The universities would determine the best locations for the programs and would need to ensure that the standard of care is being met in the training and services being provided. The universities would be able to charge a fee for the program and would be responsible with publishing a progress report every three years on the costs, including subsidized costs, number of certifications and the number of spay and neuter surgeries performed.

Spay and Neuter. There is not a statewide requirement that all dogs or cats be spayed or neutered. However, some local jurisdictions may require it and shelters are required to provide spay and neuter services prior to adoption of an animal. The practice of spay and neuter (the common terms) is generally referred to as the surgical sterilization of an animal. Spaying is the typical procedure for a female animal and neuter is the typical procedure for male animals. Both procedures aim to ensure that the animals will not reproduce, mainly in an effort to control pet overpopulation.

Advocates and policymakers have highlighted affordable spay and neuter programs as a key component to addressing animal overpopulation. One attempt to help shelters in need of veterinarians to perform spay and neuter services, was the passage of AB 2300 (Maienschein, Chapter 236, Statutes of 2018) which aimed to incentivize veterinarians licensed by the VMB to earn up to six hours towards the required minimum of 36 hours of CE by performing self-study courses or by providing pro bono spaying or neutering services to residents of low-income communities. Shelters continue to note shortages of veterinarians and RVTs available to perform or assist with spay and neuter services. This bill is an attempt to increase the number of veterinarians who are able to provide high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter services, which could result in shelters’ ability to more transition animals into their adoptable homes more quickly and provide a service to community members, potentially for a lower cost. Because this bill will also teach new students at the time of their education and training, many who take advantage of the training will leave veterinary medical school being trained to provide high-volume spay and neuter services in shelter communities where access and services are greatly needed.

According to the CVMA, high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter is “a surgical technique which enables veterinarians to perform large numbers of minimally invasive spay and neuter procedures…which features a very precise organizational structure during surgical pre-and post-operation combined with targeted surgical approaches.” The CVMA notes that while many students are trained on the surgical procedures specific to a traditional spay and neuter, they are not all trained in conducting high volume surgeries for purposes of limiting animal reproduction.

If the program intended by this bill is approved by the universities, it would likely open the door to consumers accessing low cost or no cost spay and neuter services through the program, as part of students learning process.

Registered Veterinary Technicians. RVTs provide a critical service in the care of animals in this state. Under the supervision of a veterinarian, an RVT is able to provide specified animal healthcare tasks including suture skin, extract teeth, apply casts, or administer anesthesia. To be eligible to become an RVT in California, the applicant must pass a national licensing examination. This bill allows California RVTs to enroll in a certification program for purposes of continuing education credit. This bill limits the curriculum for technicians to surgical preparation, anesthesia, tissue closure, and emergency care. This bill reaffirms the existing prohibition on RVTs from performing surgical procedures.

Continuing Education. Both veterinarians and RVTs are required to complete a minimum number of CE hours every two years in order to renew a license. Licensed veterinarians are required to complete 36 hours, pursuant to BPC § 4846.5 and RVTs are required to complete 20 hours per 16 CCR § 2086.2. For licensed veterinarians, current law allows a veterinarian to obtain 4 hours of CE for providing pro bono spay or neuter services under the supervision of a public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group. This bill will allow licensed veterinarians and RVTs to obtain CE credit for participation in the program.

1. Related Legislation. SB 1358 (Nguyen of 2024) requires the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to collect and report specified data from public animal shelters as part of their annual rabies control activities reporting. (Status: This bill is pending in the Senate Health Committee).

SB 1459 (Nguyen of 2024) would, among other things, require public animal control agencies and shelters in counties with a population greater than 400,000 to publish and update specified data on their internet website, and exempt a veterinarian or registered veterinary technician from prosecution if they willfully release a cat as part of a trap, neuter, and release activity. (Status: This bill is also pending in this Committee.)

SB 1478 (Nguyen of 2024) would require the inclusion of specified information in any order issued by a veterinarian who authorizes a registered veterinary technician to perform animal health care services on animals impounded by a public shelter. (Status: This bill is also pending in this Committee.)

AB 2133 (Kalra of 2024) authorizes a registered veterinary technician to perform neuter surgery on a male domestic cat under the direct supervision of a veterinarian if specified conditions are met. (Status: This bill is pending in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.)

AB 1988 (Muratsuchi of 2024) would authorize that any puppy or kitten relinquished to a public or private animal shelter by the purported owner can be made immediately available for release to a nonprofit organization, animal rescue organization, or adoption organization. (Status: This bill is pending in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.

AB 2012 (Lee of 2024) would require the CDPH to collect specified data from public animal shelters as part of their annual rabies control activities reporting, and authorizes the CDPH to contract out this requirement to a California accredited veterinary school. (Status: This bill is pending in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.)

AB 2265 (McCarty of 2024) would, among other things, require that all animal shelters provide public notice at least 24 hours before a dog or cat is scheduled to be euthanized, to be posted daily on their internet website or Facebook page, and that the notice be physically affixed on the kennel of a dog to cat scheduled to be euthanized, as well as mandates time certain that a dog or cat must be spayed or neutered by an animal shelter upon being given to a foster. (Status: This bill is pending in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.)

AB 2425 (Essayli of 2024) would, among other things, require an animal shelter to provide public notice regarding the adoption availability of any animal, and require the Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to conduct a study on certain topics, including overcrowding of state animal shelters. The bill would also make changes and additions to state law pertaining to dog breeders. (Status: This bill is pending in the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions)

AB 2954 (Wendy Carrillo of 2024) would prohibit a person from performing a surgical claw removal, declawing, or a tendonectomy on any cat, or otherwise altering the cat’s paws to impair functionality, except for therapeutic purposes. (Status: This bill is pending in the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions).

ACR 86 (Kalra of 2023) encourages the state and local municipalities to develop and fund high-volume spay and neuter clinics across the state to provide sterilization services, and also urges other actions relating to pets, including actions to control animal breeding and encourage spaying and neutering. (Status: This resolution is pending in enrolling and engrossing).

AB 595 (Essayli of 2023) would have required that all animal shelters provide public notice at least 72 hours before euthanizing any animal with information that includes the scheduled euthanasia date and required the CDFA to conduct a study on animal shelter overcrowding and the feasibility of a statewide database for animals scheduled to be euthanized. (Status: This bill was held in the Assembly Committee Appropriations)

SB 669 (Cortese Chapter 882, Statutes of 2023) authorized a veterinarian to allow an RVT to act as an agent of the veterinarian for the purpose of establishing the veterinarian-client-patient relationship to administer preventive or prophylactic vaccines or medications for the control or eradication of apparent or anticipated internal or external parasites by satisfying specified criteria.

AB 1535 (Committee on Business and Professions, Chapter 631, Statutes of 2021) enacted various changes to the regulation of veterinarians, RVTs, Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permit (VACSP) holders, veterinary schools, and veterinary premises, stemming from the joint sunset review oversight of the VMB.

SB 1347 (Galgiani of 2020) would have would have required public animal shelters, shelters operated by a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, and humane societies that offer limited veterinary services, as defined, to register with the VMB as a limited veterinary premises. (Status: this bill died in Assembly Committee on Appropriations).

AB 485 (Williams Chapter 557, Statutes of 2015), created a voluntary tax return checkoff to provide revenue to the Prevention of Animal Homelessness and Cruelty Fund, which allocates money to local animal shelters to support spay and neuter activities and eliminate dog and cat homelessness.

SB 1323 (Lieu, Chapter 375, Statutes of 2014) appropriated money collected from the Pet Lover’s License Plate Program to the VMB for the sole and exclusive purpose of funding grants to providers of no-cost or low-cost animal sterilization services.

1. Arguments in Support. The California Veterinary Medical Association writes in support and notes, “The creation of certification programs at both veterinary schools will help combat pet overpopulation by opening two no-cost/low-cost centers in both Northern and Southern California. These surgery centers will serve dog and cat owners who demonstrate financial need and would like to secure the surgery for their pets.”
   
   The ASPCA writes, “Safe, efficient, and accessible sterilization programs, such as those identified within SB 1233, have been acknowledged as the “best antidote to the mass euthanasia of cats and dogs resulting from overpopulation” (Looney et al., 2008). One of the main barriers to spaying and neutering of pets is accessibility of services, including both availability of professionals able to perform the procedures as well as cost. This legislation will help to address both.”
   
   The California Animal Welfare Association writes, “A statewide veterinary shortage has limited shelters’ ability to get animals altered and adopted in a timely fashion as well as provide necessary spay/neuter services to the public. As California residents struggle to find accessible and affordable means to sterilize their pets, the surplus litters of puppies and kittens are flooding our shelters, leading to significant overcrowding. Ensuring more veterinarians are trained to help tackle the critical issue of pet overpopulation would be a significant step forward for California.”
   
   Social Compassion in Legislation writes, “A 2021 national survey shows that 14 California counties ranked in the bottom 25% on the Veterinary Care Accessibility Score, which means there is extremely limited or no ability to see a veterinarian. The overall score for California was 47 out of 100, with the Central Valley and North State faring the worst. By comparison, Nebraska has a score of 71. Fortunately, high-volume spay-and-neuter services are one way to efficiently address this problem, and the pet overpopulation issue more generally. SB 1233 is the first step towards expanding spay and neuter services to a level that is needed if we are going to solve the pet overpopulation problem.”

Fix Our Shelters writes in support, “this efficient mode of spaying and neutering animals - which features a very precise organizational structure during surgical pre-and post-operation, combined with targeted surgical approaches - will be particularly helpful for California animal shelters in dire need of spay/neuter veterinary services.”

1. Policy Comments.

CE Hours. As currently drafted, this bill proposes to provide CE credit for licensed veterinarians and RVTs who complete the certification program; however, it is unclear the number of hours the licensees are able to count towards their biannual education requirement. The author should continue to work with stakeholders to determine the appropriate credit.

Consumer Notification. This bill will create a program offering spay and neuter services in high-efficiency mode. While wonderful in the context of moving animals more quickly into homes and breaking the cycle of unwanted dogs and cats, there are risks of injuries. The author should continue to work with stakeholders to determine if including adverse actions or negative outcomes in the progress report would be helpful.

Other Pending Legislation: AB 2133 (Kalra of 2024). AB 2133, as currently pending in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations, would permit an RVT to perform neuter surgery solely on a male domestic cat under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, upon completion of a training approved by the VMB. Could the training obtained in this bill provide that training? The author should continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that the intent and implementation of two separate pieces of legislation do not have the unintended consequence of creating confusion in practice acts or unintentionally permitting or restricting certain practices.

Shelter Overcrowding. This bill seeks to create another tool to help chip away at the pet overpopulation in California and relieve pressure on overburdened and under-resourced local shelter systems in California by increasing the availability of licensed veterinarians qualified to assist public and private shelters conduct high efficiency spay and neuter services. However, while current law requires that animals in public shelters be spayed or neutered prior to adopting out the animal, those same requirements are not applicable to pets obtained from out-of-state breeders, in-state breeders, through other private transactions not subject to regulation or oversight. A goal to expedite animals out of shelters and decrease the burden on shelters and shelter personnel is laudable, but without any mechanism to address the flow of animals into shelters, challenges will remain.

SUPPORT AND OPPOSITION:

Support:

California Veterinary Medical Association (Sponsor)

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

California Animal Welfare Association

Fix Our Shelters

Social Compassion in Legislation

Opposition:

None received.

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SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Senator Josh Newman, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular

Bill No: SB 1233 Hearing Date: April 10, 2024

Subject: University of California: veterinary medicine: spay and neuter techniques.

NOTE: The Rules Committee has requested that this bill be returned if approved by the Committee on Education. A "do pass" motion should include referral to the Committee on Rules.

SUMMARY

This bill requires the University of California (UC) and the Western University of Health Sciences to develop high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification programs.

BACKGROUND

Existing law:

1. Establishes, under the California Constitution, the UC as a public trust to be administered by the Regents of the UC with full powers of organization and government, subject only to such legislative control as may be necessary to insure the security of its funds and compliance with the terms of the endowments of the university, and such competitive bidding procedures as may be made applicable to the university for construction contracts, selling real property, and purchasing materials, goods and services. (Constitution of California, Article IX, Section 9)
   
2. States, under the California Constitution, that the university be entirely independent of all political or sectarian influence and kept free therefrom in the appointment of its regents and in the administration of its affairs. (Constitution of California, Article IX, Section 9 (f))
   
3. Provides that statutes related to UC (and most other aspects of the governance and operation of UC) are applicable only to the extent that the Regents of UC make such provisions applicable. (Education Code (EC) § 67400)
   
4. Declares the UC as the primary state-supported academic agency for research.
   (EC § 66010.4 (c))
   
5. Provides for the licensure and registration of veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians and the regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine by the Veterinary Medical Board. (Business & Professions Code § 4811 et seq)
   
6. Prohibits a public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group from selling or giving away any cat or dog that has not been spayed or neutered, except as provided. (Food & Agricultural Code § 30520)
   
7. Requires the owner of a cat or dog that has not been spayed or neutered and that is impounded by a city or county animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or humane society to receive a specified fine. (Food & Agricultural Code § 31751.7 and § 30804.7)

ANALYSIS

This bill requires UC and the Western University of Health Sciences to develop High-Quality, High-Volume Spay/Neuter certification programs. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires the Regents of the UC and the governing body of the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine to develop high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification programs to be offered as elective coursework to students enrolled at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine.
   
2. Provides that this bill applies to UC only to the extent that the UC Regents agree by resolution, and to the Western University of Health Sciences if agreed upon by the Office of the Provost.
   
3. Authorizes a certification program to charge a reasonable fee to cover the costs associated with offering the program to a California-licensed veterinarian or a California-registered veterinary technician. This bill requires the fee to be paid directly to the university offering the program.
   
4. Prohibits this bill from authorizing California-registered veterinary technicians to perform surgical procedures.
   

Certification program components

1. Requires the certification programs to do all of the following:
   
   1. Provide training in techniques to facilitate safe and efficient ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy, and gonadectomy of cats and dogs.
      
   2. Use and support best practices for high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter procedures and services.
      
   3. Consist of both classroom and surgery lab training.
      
   4. Require students to successfully complete a number of ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, and gonadectomies under the high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter model, as determined by the programs.
      

Certification program students

1. Requires the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine to allow California-licensed veterinarians and California-registered veterinary technicians to enroll in the certification program for continuing education and certification purposes.
   
2. Requires a university that offers the certification program to provide a California-licensed veterinarian or California-registered veterinary technician who successfully complete the certification program with a certificate of completion and a written confirmation of the number of hours spent in active high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter practice.
   
3. Requires a California-licensed veterinarian or California-registered veterinary technician who successfully complete the certification program to receive continuing education credit for program participation.
   

Certification program curriculum

1. Requires the curriculum offered to a California-registered veterinary technician to be consistent with current law and include, among other topics, all of the following:
   
   1. Surgical preparation of the patient.
      
   2. Anesthesia induction and maintenance.
      
   3. Subcutaneous and cutaneous tissue closure.
      
   4. Anesthesia recovery.
      
   5. Emergency and critical care considerations using techniques under the high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter model.
      

Certification program services

1. Requires a certification program to do all of the following:
   
   1. Make available to the public low- or no-cost ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, or gonadectomies for cats and dogs that are performed by students or California-licensed veterinarians enrolled in the program.
      
   2. Develop policies and procedures that prioritize qualifying for the services above based on, at a minimum, income and socioeconomic status.
      
   3. Ensure that the training and care provided or coordinated by the program is at a standard of care that is consistent with those standards of care generally accepted within the veterinary profession.
      

Progress report

1. Requires a university that offers a certification program to publicly publish, every three years, a progress report that describes the activities of the program. This bill requires the progress report to include, but not be limited to, all of the following information:
   
   1. The number of cat and dog ovariectomies, ovariohysterectomies, and gonadectomies performed under the certification program.
      
   2. The number of certifications issued by the program.
      
   3. The costs associated with implementing and administering the program.
      
   4. The subsidized cost, if any, of surgical services provided to the public.
      

Certification program location

1. Requires a university that offers a certification program to determine the best available location or locations to host the program including, but not limited to, any of the following locations:
   
   1. On-campus facilities.
      
   2. A public animal control agency or shelter.
      
   3. A society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter.
      
   4. A humane society shelter.
      
   5. A rescue group shelter.
      

Certification program funding

1. Requires a certification program to be funded through a combination of private fund donations and General Fund dollars, subject to an appropriation being made in the Budget Act of 2024.

STAFF COMMENTS

1. Need for the bill. According to the author, “As someone with a rescue dog, it breaks my heart to see so many unnecessary euthanizations happening because of overcrowding in our animal shelters. This first-in-the-nation certification program will significantly expand pet owners’ access to low and no-cost spay-neuter services, saving shelters from overcrowding and pets from unnecessary euthanizations. It’s a win for pets, vets, and animal lovers all around.”
   
2. Spay and neuter techniques. Pet overpopulation is a direct result of a lack of qualified and skilled veterinarians able to provide spay-neuter procedures at shelters, which provide spay-neuter services at a price that most pet owners can reasonably afford. High-quality, high-volume spay and neuter procedures differ from standard spay-neuter treatments as high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter techniques result in significantly higher volumes of spay-neuter treatments compared to traditional approaches. Expanding access to high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification for veterinary students, licensed veterinarians, and registered veterinarian technicians, will in turn expand the supply of safe and effective spay-neuter procedures.
   
   As a part of the high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification program curriculum, students would gain experience performing the surgery in animal shelters. This would accomplish a mutually beneficial result for both pet owners and shelter staff – pet owners’ access to affordable spay-neuter services would be greatly expanded and overcrowding of shelters would decrease in response to more animals receiving spay-neuter treatment.
   
3. University of California. The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine launched the first shelter medicine program in the world, the Koret Shelter Medicine Program. This program teaches basics such as how to vaccinate, clean, feed, and handle animals, and provides a guide the whole animal-shelter system (organizational evaluations, facility design consultations, and assistance with outbreak diagnosis and management), all intended to provide practical, cost-effective advice to improve animal welfare and adoptability.
   
   The Koret Shelter Medicine Program appears to be well-positioned to take on the task of developing and implementing standards and guidelines for high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter surgical techniques.
   
4. Western University of Health Sciences. Western University of Health Sciences is a private non-profit university accredited by the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Western University of Health Sciences confers graduate-level degrees in dental medicine, health sciences, medical sciences, nursing, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine and veterinary medicine, with campuses in Pomona and one in Oregon. Western University of Health Sciences and UC Davis are the only veterinary medicine colleges in California. 

California law requires, prior to practicing veterinary medicine, an applicant to graduate from a degree program offered by an accredited postsecondary institution approved by the California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB), pass a national veterinarian examination, and pass an examination provided by the VMB to test the knowledge of the laws and regulations related to the practice of veterinary medicine in California.

Existing law exempts faculty and students of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences from the laws regulating the practice of veterinary medicine, and exempts veterinary medical students at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University of Health Science from having to take the VMB's law and regulations examination if the student completes certain coursework.

1. Veterinary technicians. This bill allows California-registered veterinary technicians to enroll in a certification program for purposes of continuing education credit. This bill limits the curriculum for technicians to surgical preparation, anesthesia, tissue closure, and emergency care. This bill reaffirms the existing prohibition on veterinarian technicians from performing surgical procedures.
   
2. Should the Legislature direct the creation of new certification programs? The Legislature lacks the capacity to assess the need for new certification programs. California does not have a coordinating entity for higher education. Existing law establishes the California Postsecondary Education Commission (CPEC) to be responsible for coordinating public, independent, and private postsecondary education in California, as well as providing independent policy analyses and recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor on postsecondary education issues. Prior to 2011, CPEC was responsible, among other things, for reviewing proposals for new academic and vocational programs, satellite campuses, and California public college and university campuses, as well as providing recommendations to the Legislature and Governor.
   
   CPEC would typically review new programs through, at a minimum, the prisms of societal need, student demand, existing programs, the total costs of the program, and appropriateness to the institution and system mission. In the absence of a CPEC-like entity, the Legislature is now placed in the position of examining and reviewing the academic, programmatic, and fiscal implications of “new” programs or campuses, a function for which the Legislature is ill-equipped.
   
   Having a neutral statewide body provide critical analysis on the future needs of postsecondary education in California is beyond the scope of this measure. However, it does call into question who or what entity should be performing such analysis in the absence of a CPEC.
   
3. Reporting. This bill requires a university that offers a certification program to publicly publish, every three years, a progress report that describes the activities of the program. The author may wish to consider adding due dates for the report.
   
4. Related legislation.
   
   AB 2133 (Kalra, 2024) authorizes a registered veterinary technician to perform neuter surgery on a male domestic cat under the direct supervision of a veterinarian if specified conditions are met. AB 2133 is pending in the Assembly Business and Professions Committee.
   
5. Prior legislation.
   
   AB 240 (Kalra, 2023) would have established the California Spay-Neuter Fund to offer competitive grants to specified organizations to increase or develop no cost or low cost spay-neuter programs. AB 240 died in the Assembly Agriculture Committee without a hearing.

SUPPORT

California Veterinary Medical Association (sponsor)
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Social Compassion in Legislation

OPPOSITION

None received

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