91st General Assembly · Funnel one-pager · Monday, November 9, 2026

SF 31: Allowing emergency medical care providers to diagnose and treat severe injuries suffered by police service dogs while on duty

Became SF 296 · Its progress continues under the new number.

What it does

BACKGROUND. 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.

Cost

No fiscal note

Senate subcommittee · named January 15, 2025

Sen. Cherielynn Westrich (R) · cherielynn.westrich@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Izaah Knox (D) · izaah.knox@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Tom Shipley (R) · tom.shipley@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 5 for, 0 against

For: AFSCME Council 61; Animal Rescue League Iowa, Inc.; Humane World for Animals; Iowa Fraternal Order of Police; Iowa Veterinary Medical Association

In plain words

January 14, 2025Filed in the Senate and sent to the Judiciary committee
January 15, 2025Senate subcommittee named: Westrich, Knox and Shipley
January 22, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it
February 12, 2025Approved by the Senate committee, and given a new number: SF 296