Legislative

19 February

AVMA State Legislative Update

wsvma   |   Legislative, Uncategorized

This issue of the State Legislative Update includes select summaries of bills and regulations introduced in January and tracked by the AVMA Division of State Advocacy. With a majority of state legislatures convening this month, we expect considerable activity in the weeks ahead. COVID-19 State policymakers continue to propose legislation in attempts to answer questions that have arisen from the COVID-19 pandemic. Connecticut CT SB 560 would establish a task force to study the feasibility of using scent dogs to identify persons...

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05 February

WSVMA Legislative Report

wsvma   |   Legislative

The Washington State Legislature convened on January 11 for a planned 105-day session and is in its fourth week. The House will conduct most of its business remotely, while a few legislators will be in Olympia. The Senate is attempting a hybrid model, where some legislators are on the floor, while others participate remotely. Despite the remote nature of the 2021 session, over 700 bills have been introduced in the House and the Senate to date. One major change this year...

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22 January

Rep. Mike Chapman to be special guest at WSVMA Legislative Townhall Jan.28

wsvma   |   Legislative, WSVMA News

The WSVMA is hosting a Legislative Townhall, From Olympia to Your Veterinary Practice – A 2021 Legislative Preview, on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at 12pm. The town hall is to provide members with an update on legislative and regulatory activity expected for 2021. Featured speakers include WSVMA President Dr. Richard DeBowes, Legislative Advocate Greg Hanon, Chair of WSVMA-PAC Dr. Mike Bellinghausen, and CEO Candace Joy. [caption id="attachment_19730" align="alignleft" width="150"] Representative Mike Chapman[/caption] We’ll also feature Rep. Mike Chapman from the 24th District in...

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08 January

What’s New – Jan. 28, 2021 a WSVMA Legislative Townhall

wsvma   |   Legislative

The WSVMA is hosting a Legislative Townhall, From Olympia to Your Veterinary Practice – A 2021 Legislative Preview, on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at 12 pm. The townhall is to provide members with an update on legislative and regulatory activity expected for 2021. Featured speakers include WSVMA President Dr. Richard DeBowes, Legislative Advocate Greg Hanon, Chair of WSVMA-PAC Dr. Mike Bellinghausen, and CEO Candace Joy. We’ll also feature a state legislator (TBD) that will speak to attendees. Legislators love veterinarians and welcome...

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06 November

Washington election results

wsvma   |   Legislative

While much of our nation’s focus on election day was on the presidential race, the General Election in Washington State included a variety of important local decisions as well. There are almost 4.9 million voters registered in Washington State. On election night over 3.355 million votes were counted for a turnout of 68.64%. As of Friday morning, November 6, 3.795 million or 77.64% of the ballots have been counted. An estimated 235,000 ballots remain to be counted, although this number...

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07 August

Washington Primary Election Results as of Friday, August 7

wsvma   |   Legislative

Washington State held its primary election on Tuesday, August 4. There are 4.6 million registered voters. By Tuesday evening, 1.26 million votes were counted, a turnout of 27.4%. Voter turnout in the primary is expected to be above 40%, and several hundred thousand votes remain to be counted. As of Friday, August 7, 1.7 million ballots have been counted, with approximately 600,000 remaining. The final primary totals will not be known until next week. The results below reflect the count...

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10 July

Tell Congress to act now!

wsvma   |   COVID-19, Legislative, Practice Management

As of July 7, 2020, over 18,500 veterinary practices took Paycheck Protection Loans to support their operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the IRS is prohibiting PPP borrowers from claiming federal tax deductions that are normally fully deductible - including some rent and utility payments, and wages and benefits paid to employees - for forgivable expenses paid with PPP funds. If this isn't reversed, veterinary small business owners could face an unanticipated additional tax burden. The IRS action contradicts congressional intent,...

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26 June

State budget takes $8.8 billion hit

wsvma   |   Legislative

Chief Economist Steve Lerch told the state’s Economic and Revenue Forecast Council last week that state revenues are expected to decline by a total of $8.8 billion relative to previous expectations over the next two budget cycles, and echoed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s assertion that a full recovery is unlikely until the public is confident COVID-19 is brought under control. Some lawmakers are proposing a capital gains tax, and are opposed to major cuts in state services that occurred in...

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29 May

New animal anti-cruelty legislation signed into law, takes effect June 11, 2020

wsvma   |   Animal Welfare, Legislative, Professional News

Governor Jay Inslee signed into law Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 6300 that added more teeth to current animal cruelty statutes. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Anne Rivers (R-La Center) and brought forward by Pasado’s Safe Haven included several amendments aimed at doing more to protect animals. Changes to Chapter RCW 16.52 animal cruelty statutes include: Only a licensed veterinarian may devocalize, ear crop or tail dock a dog. Veterinarians must use accepted veterinary surgical protocols and pain management when performing...

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27 March

2020 Legislative session ends on time

wsvma   |   Legislative

The Washington State Legislature adjourned as scheduled on March 12 after a 60-day session.  In the final days prior to adjournment the legislature was able to pass supplemental operating, transportation and capital budgets.  They appropriated $200 million in resources from the state rainy day account for response to the Covid-19 impacts. They also addressed the Boeing WTO issue, by increasing the B&O tax on Boeing to respond to issues presented in the WTO challenge. The Washington State Research Council notes that...

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