Rep. Gerald Raymond introduces bill to loosen restrictions on sale of veterinary practices

Representative Gerald Raymond introduced RS32079 to the House Agriculture Affairs Committee, saying the bill would remove restrictive language in current Idaho law that limits how and to whom a practicing veterinarian may sell a practice.

The bill was presented as a response to concerns raised by the Idaho Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA). "This is a bill that was brought to our attention by the IVMA," Raymond said, adding that the current statute is "very limited on how or to whom a practicing veterinarian can sell their practice." He said the proposal strikes language to "make it more flexible, give veterinarians more freedom as to whom they may sell their practices."

The sponsor referenced the statutory location of the current law and said he has research and background on "what is in the current code, title 30 chapter 21, sections 9 and 1" and that the committee could examine that more fully at a hearing. The committee chair called for a motion to introduce the RS; the motion carried on a voice vote.

Committee members did not debate the detailed statutory language during the introduction. No specific buyer-qualification language or drafting text was presented in the committee meeting; Raymond asked for the committee's indulgence in formally introducing the RS and indicated a fuller hearing could follow with statutory citations and draft language.

The committee approved introduction of RS32079 by voice vote. The bill will return to the committee for a public hearing and further consideration, where the sponsor said statutory background and the proposed deletions and replacements will be available for review.

Next steps: RS32079 was introduced and will be scheduled for a committee hearing where the draft language and Title 30 references will be reviewed.