SF 4069 Minnesota Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Veterinary medicine and veterinary technology practice provisions modifications

SF 4069 updates definitions in Minnesota's veterinary practice laws to clarify terminology for professionals and facilities. It adds specific definitions for terms like "accredited program of veterinary technology," "client," "consent," "dispensing," and "emergency stabilization" while expanding the definition of "animal" to include nonhuman mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles. These changes standardize how veterinary care, drug use, and patient interactions are legally described under Minnesota Statutes. The bill directly affects veterinarians, veterinary technicians, pharmacies, and animal care facilities by providing clearer regulatory language. (Note: This is a definitional bill with no substantive policy changes described in the text.)
Bill status died 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 2, 2026 Last action Apr 14, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduction 1st Engrossment · 3 edits · Mar 26, 2026
MINOR
The bill was updated from its introduction to its first engrossment, reflecting amendments made during the legislative process. The most significant substantive change is the redefinition of 'Animal' to include any organism with sensation and voluntary movement (excluding humans), expanding protections beyond just mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles. Additionally, the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners was granted new authority to adopt and amend rules, administer examinations, and hold meetings.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded by redefining the term 'Animal' to cover a broader range of organisms than previously defined, thereby extending the bill's protections to species not explicitly listed in the original version.
DEFINITION

The definition of 'Animal' was changed from a specific list (nonhuman mammal, bird, fish, or reptile) to a functional definition including any organism with sensation, voluntary movement, and oxygen/nutrient requirements, excluding humans.

REQUIREMENT

New provisions were added granting the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners the authority to adopt and amend rules, administer licensing examinations, and hold meetings.

TECHNICAL

The bill title was updated from 'Introduction' to '1st Engrossment' and the posting date was changed from March 26, 2026, to April 23, 2026.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Mar 26, 2026
Upper · Passed
Comm report: To pass as amended
upper
Mar 2, 2026
Committee
Referred to Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
upper
Mar 2, 2026
Introduced
Introduction and first reading
upper
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors