SF 299: Allowing emergency medical care providers to diagnose and treat severe injuries suffered by police service dogs while on duty

What it does

BACKGROUND. Current law provides for veterinary medical services that include diagnosing or treating an animal’s injury. The services are required to be provided by a veterinarian holding a license or temporary permit issued by the Iowa board of veterinary medicine (Code chapter 169).4). BILL’S PROVISIONS., county sheriff or deputy, police officer employed by a city, or member of the department of public safety). The police service dog must be injured while on duty, the injury must be severe, and the veterinary medical services must be necessary to immediately stabilize the police service dog’s condition for a later diagnosis or treatment by a licensed veterinarian or temporary permit holder.

Senate subcommittee · named February 21, 2023

• Sen. Jeff Reichman (R) · jeff.reichman@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Rocky De Witt (R)
• Sen. Izaah Knox (D) · izaah.knox@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 9 for, 0 against

For: AFSCME Iowa Council 61; Animal Rescue League Iowa, Inc.; City of Des Moines; Iowa Firefighters Association (IFA); Iowa Fraternal Order of Police; Iowa Police Chief Association (FKA Iowa Police Executive Forum); Iowa Veterinary Medical Association; State Police Officers Council; The Humane Society of the United States

In plain words

1. February 15, 2023Filed in the Senate and sent to the Judiciary committee
2. February 21, 2023Senate subcommittee named: Reichman, De Witt and Knox
3. February 27, 2023Subcommittee recommended passing it with changes
4. March 6, 2023Approved by the Senate committee, and given a new number: SF 539