Committee advances bill letting vet technicians administer rabies vaccines under supervision

House Bill 1408 advanced from the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee after members voted by voice in favor of moving the bill along. The measure, identified in committee as LC600304, would permit licensed veterinary technicians to administer rabies vaccines when working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

The bill’s presenter told the committee, “This bill does 1 thing. It allows veterinary technicians under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian to administer rabies vaccines to animals that are required to be inoculated.” The presenter emphasized public-health stakes, noting that animals not inoculated for rabies are observed for 10 days and that post-exposure treatment for humans can be costly and painful.

Committee members heard that the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association, the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Department of Public Health support the change. No committee member raised objections during the hearing; the chair called for a motion and the committee approved a do-pass recommendation by voice vote.

Next steps: The bill will proceed through the legislative process toward crossover, subject to further committee scheduling and any amendments that may be proposed on later consideration.