H 257 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to equine dentistry

This bill amends Massachusetts law to formally include specific dental procedures for horses under the scope of licensed equine dental practitioners. The new provision allows these professionals to float teeth, remove wolf teeth, and smooth enamel points, while explicitly excluding treatments for decay, tumors, or soft tissue issues. The legislation also clarifies that these dental services cannot be performed on dogs or cats and restricts the use of controlled substances to cases ordered by a licensed veterinarian. Ultimately, the act expands the legal definition of equine dentistry to ensure these common procedures are recognized within the state's professional licensing framework.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action May 30, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Dan Carey
Dan Carey
DDemocratic
MA
2nd Hampshire