MississippiHB 5142026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

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

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 3 mixed.

Higher penalties for veterinary violations

Beginning July 1, 2026, the board can hold a hearing and then suspend, limit, or revoke a license or certification. It can also fine a license holder up to $1,000 for each offense. Practicing veterinary medicine without a license or using protected technician titles without certification is a misdemeanor with fines between $100 and $500 per violation. The board can also issue citations with civil penalties up to $500 per violation.

Tighter certification rules for vet technicians

Beginning July 1, 2026, you must pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination to become certified. The board sets the minimum passing score and must offer at least one exam each year with 120 days’ public notice. The board can use a national testing company and can run, grade, and score exams it approves. To keep your credential, you must complete continuing education set by the board. Only people credentialed by the board may use the titles “veterinary technician,” “veterinary technologist,” “vet tech,” or “CVT.” The board can make rules and take discipline on technician duties and conduct, and the law defines a “certified veterinary technician” as one certified by the board.

Veterinarian licensing, reinstatement, and senior relief

Beginning July 1, 2026, the board grants a license by endorsement only if you have an accredited vet degree (or equivalent), good moral character, a license in another U.S. jurisdiction, and at least three years of practice there without discipline. If your license has expired, you can reinstate within five years by applying in writing, meeting continuing education, and paying the current renewal fee plus a $500 reinstatement fee and all delinquent renewal fees. Veterinarians age 70 or older may choose not to pay the annual renewal fee. Those age 70 or older who work under 20 hours per week are exempt from the renewal fee.

New clinic inspection fees and schedule

Beginning July 1, 2026, veterinary clinics pay $100 per inspection plus $50 for each licensed veterinarian employed at the clinic. The board also sets how often clinics, equipment, and vehicles are inspected, replacing the fixed three-year schedule with a board-set regular schedule.

New makeup and picks for vet board

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state veterinary board has five licensed veterinarians, one certified veterinary technician, and one public member. No more than three members can come from the same Supreme Court district. A veterinarian or technician must have been licensed or certified in Mississippi for the past five years to serve. The Governor must choose appointees from lists of three eligible nominees submitted by the state veterinary associations.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Sam Creekmore IV
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