California 2025-2026 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB1733

Introduced
2/5/26  
Refer
2/23/26  
Report Pass
4/14/26  
Refer
4/14/26  
Report Pass
4/29/26  
Engrossed
5/7/26  
Refer
5/7/26  
Refer
5/20/26  
Report Pass
6/1/26  

Caption

An act to amend Sections 4858.1 and 4858.2 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to veterinary medicine.

Impact

If enacted, AB1733 would clarify the provisions concerning acceptable sources for continuing education, effectively allowing both self-study and pro bono services to count toward renewal requirements. Additionally, the bill acknowledges the needs of animal shelters to promote education in high-quality spay and neuter services as a means to combat pet overpopulation. This introduces a structured path for professionals to contribute to community welfare while maintaining their educational credentials.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 1733, introduced by Assembly Member Lee, aims to amend the existing Veterinary Medicine Practice Act. The bill focuses on the renewal processes for veterinarians and veterinary technicians' licenses and registration, specifically concerning the requirements for continuing education. Currently, a veterinarian must complete a minimum of 36 hours of continuing education within two years, while veterinary technicians are required to complete 20 hours in the same timeframe. The proposed changes in AB1733 specify that veterinarians can fulfill part of their continuing education requirements by engaging in pro bono spaying or neutering services, alongside self-study activities.

Contention

The implications of this bill could lead to discussions around the efficacy and equity of education requirements in veterinary medicine. Some stakeholders may argue that additional avenues for fulfilling educational requirements through community service may encourage more veterinarians to engage with local shelters. Others, however, might feel that this does not address the quality or relevance of the education gained through such activities. Moreover, the requirements for documentation of pro bono services could raise questions about administrative burdens on both veterinarians and the agencies they serve.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA AB1999

An act to amend Sections 4825.1, 4826.6, 4827, 4830, 4840.5, 4858, 4858.1, 4858.2, 4900, 4901, 4902, and 4905 of, to add Sections 4846.3, 4846.4, and 4848.2 to, and to repeal Sections 4843.5 and 4844 of, the Business and Professions Code, relating to professions and vocations.

CA AB1502

Veterinary medicine: California Veterinary Medical Board.

CA S0796

Veterinary Medicine

CA H0805

Veterinary Medicine

CA HR188

Requesting The University Of Hawaii System To Establish A Veterinary Medicine Expansion Working Group To Explore The Feasibility Of Developing A Doctor Of Veterinary Medicine Program At Windward Community College.

CA SCR192

Requesting The University Of Hawaii System To Establish A Veterinary Medicine Expansion Working Group To Explore The Feasibility Of Developing A Doctor Of Veterinary Medicine Program.

CA AB2010

Veterinary medicine: veterinary surgery premises: spay and neuter services.

CA SR172

Requesting The University Of Hawaii System To Establish A Veterinary Medicine Expansion Working Group To Explore The Feasibility Of Developing A Doctor Of Veterinary Medicine Program At Windward Community College.

CA SB493

Relating To Veterinarians.

CA HCR195

Requesting The University Of Hawaii System To Establish A Veterinary Medicine Expansion Working Group To Explore The Feasibility Of Developing A Doctor Of Veterinary Medicine Program At Windward Community College.

Similar Bills

CO HB1285

Veterinary Workforce Requirements

AZ HB4019

veterinary practices; ownership; oversight

FL H0805

Veterinary Medicine

FL S0796

Veterinary Medicine

NJ A1427

Requires licensure for veterinary technicians.

MS SB2282

Veterinarians; allow to practice when educated at foreign institution and satisfied additional requirements.

CA AB516

Registered veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants: scope of practice.

GA SB105

Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians; licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians to practice veterinary teleadvice; authorize