MississippiHB 5142026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Mississippi Veterinary Practice Act; amend to include certain provisions for certified veterinary technicians.

Sponsored By: Samuel Creekmore IV (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Public Health and Human ServicesPublic Health and Welfare

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Active-duty vet techs may avoid renewal fees

Starting July 1, 2026, the Board may waive a certified veterinary technician’s renewal fee while the technician is on active duty in the U.S. armed services. The waiver is not automatic, and the law does not state the fee amount.

Applicants face tighter veterinary license rules

Starting July 1, 2026, out-of-state veterinarians must show good moral character and a current record of practice without discipline. The Board sets exam dates, locations, and fees for people seeking veterinary or veterinary technician credentials. It no longer has to offer an exam every year or give 120 days’ notice.

New fees to restore expired vet licenses

Starting July 1, 2026, veterinarians can apply to restore an expired license within five years. They must pay current and delinquent renewal fees, meet continuing-education rules, and pay a Board-set reinstatement fee. The former reinstatement fee was $500.

Senior vets lose renewal-fee relief

Starting July 1, 2026, veterinarians must be at least 70 and work fewer than 20 hours a week to qualify for the renewal-fee exemption. The qualifying age was previously 65. The law does not state the renewal-fee amount.

Penalties for unlicensed veterinary work

Starting July 1, 2026, people who practice veterinary technology without required approval face the law’s penalties. Using protected veterinary technician or technologist titles without approval is a misdemeanor. The Board sets misdemeanor fines and civil penalties for each violation, and may ask a court to stop unlawful practice.

Vets must see animals every 12 months

Starting July 1, 2026, a veterinarian must have seen an animal within the past 12 months to meet the knowledge requirement for a care relationship. The veterinarian must also know how the animal is kept and cared for through an examination or timely visits to the premises.

More discipline for vets and technicians

Starting July 1, 2026, the Board may suspend, revoke, or limit a certified veterinary technician’s certification for listed violations. A case requires a sworn written complaint. The Board also sets fines in discipline cases, replacing the former $1,000-per-offense cap.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Samuel Creekmore IV
Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 164 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/9/2026

Passed

Yes: 49 • No: 1 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/12/2026