Assembly passes new dangerous-dog standard, reauthorizes hospital design‑build authority; approves wildlife and commemoration measures

SACRAMENTO — The California State Assembly on March 6, 2025, approved several bills and two commemorative resolutions, including a change to the legal standard used in potentially dangerous‑dog proceedings, reauthorization of design‑build contracting for certain health care districts, and a measure to authorize management of mute swans.

Assemblymember Schultz presented Assembly Bill 793 to adopt a clear‑and‑convincing standard in proceedings that evaluate whether a dog is “dangerous” or “vicious.” Schultz said the measure aligns with recommendations from the American Veterinary Medical Association and aims to ensure “decisions such as this are made with greater care and accountability.” The bill passed the Assembly on a recorded vote, Ayes 55, Noes 0.

Why it matters: AB 793 changes the evidentiary threshold used by jurisdictions and animal‑control authorities when making life‑altering determinations about animals. Supporters argued the standard offers a more thorough, equitable process before decisions such as euthanasia are made; the bill had unanimous support in the Assembly Judiciary Committee, according to the debate.

Assemblymember Flora presented AB 533 to reauthorize health care districts that own or operate hospitals or clinics to use the design‑build contracting method for construction of health facilities. Flora said the authority expired January 1, 2025, and sought to restore it. The…