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MaineLD 528132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Address the Rise in Rabies in Animals by Appointing Certified Rabies Vaccine Administrators

Sponsored By: Victoria Doudera (Democratic)

Became Law

ANIMALSANIMALS - PETS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Certified vaccinators expand rabies access

The state creates a certified rabies vaccinator program. The commissioner appoints vaccinators in each county and certifies them after training. They work under a licensed vet’s direct or indirect supervision. Shelter staff can get a limited appointment to vaccinate shelter animals or at low‑cost clinics. Certified vaccinators acting under this law have civil immunity. The department sets appointment and certification procedures by rule.

Low-cost rabies clinics in every county

The state runs at least one low‑cost rabies clinic each year in every county. If a local vet is not available, a state vet, a supervised vet tech, or a certified vaccinator gives the shots. This makes low‑cost vaccines easier to get.

Medical and shelter vaccination exemptions

Nonprofit shelters do not have to vaccinate abandoned or stray animals they receive. An owner can be excused from vaccinating a pet if a licensed vet gives a written statement that a medical condition prevents vaccination.

Out-of-state rabies records accepted

Town clerks can accept a valid rabies record from another state when issuing a dog license. The commissioner sets the rules for accepting these records.

Dogs must wear rabies tags

Your dog must wear its rabies tag on a strong collar at all times, unless another law allows an exception. The tag must come from a vet, a supervised vet tech, or a certified vaccinator.

Rabies certificates, town reporting, and checks

When an authorized person vaccinates your pet, they must give you a state rabies certificate that shows the booster due date. For dog shots, the vaccinator must send a copy to the Department within 30 days. The Department sends copies to your town and shares records with towns at least quarterly. Humane agents, animal control, and police can ask you to show the state certificate.

Who can give valid rabies shots

Cats over 3 months and dogs within 30 days after turning 3 months must be vaccinated. A licensed vet, a supervised vet tech, or a certified rabies vaccinator must give the shot. Initial protection lasts one year; boosters follow national guidance for the vaccine used. Shots given by anyone else do not count and the animal is treated as unvaccinated under state law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Victoria Doudera

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Denise Tepler

    Democratic • Senate

  • James Dill

    Democratic • House

  • Laurie Osher

    Democratic • House

  • Michele Meyer

    Democratic • House

  • Rachel Talbot Ross

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sharon Frost

    Independent • House

  • William Pluecker

    Independent • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 141

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    5/27/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/27/2025House

  4. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-250) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-250), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    5/22/2025Senate

  5. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-250).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/22/2025House

  6. Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025House

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY in concurrence

    2/11/2025Senate

  8. Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    2/11/2025House

Bill Text

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