House Bill 11-76, an act to state that equine dental maintenance is not the practice of veterinary medicine, passed the House on Feb. 7 after floor amendment 11-76A and debate about certification and oversight. The House recorded 39 ayes, 28 nays, and 2 excused.

Sponsor Representative Hunt said the measure clarifies whether horse owners may choose qualified equine dental professionals (distinct from veterinarians) for routine maintenance such as floating teeth, and she emphasized the bill does not change veterinarians' scope of practice on medications or controlled substances. The sponsor and supporters described shortages of large-animal veterinarians in South Dakota and said practical access for rural owners motivated the change. Representative Whitman and others raised concerns that the adopted amendment removed a specific certification requirement (International Association of Equine Dentistry) and that the bill, without certification or regulatory language, might permit unqualified individuals to act without oversight.

Supporters said the bill is intended to clarify an existing exemption and preserve owners' choice; critics urged additional statutory guardrails and oversight provisions. After closing remarks, HB 11-76 was declared passed by roll call, 39–28 with 2 excused.

Votes at a glance: House Bill 11-76 — final passage as amended: 39 ayes, 28 nays, 2 excused (declared passed).