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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GOVERNOR NEWSOM SIGNS LANDMARK VETERINARY REFORM BILL AB 1999
SACRAMENTO, CA, September 9, 2026 - Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL) is thrilled that Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1999, authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra, a comprehensive piece of legislation that makes substantial changes to outdated provisions of California’s Veterinary Medicine Practice Act to expand access to veterinary care and strengthen protections for animals.
AB 1999 grew out of ACR 86 (Kalra), sponsored by SCIL in 2024, which called on the state to address California’s pet overpopulation crisis, including increasing access to high-volume spay and neuter services and bringing more veterinarians into the state.
“We are absolutely elated that Governor Newsom has signed AB 1999. We cannot thank the Governor enough, not only for signing this important bill, but for his tremendous support for animals and the families who love them throughout his nearly eight years as Governor. Time and again, he has signed significant animal protection legislation and helped keep California at the forefront of animal welfare. We are deeply grateful for his compassion and his willingness to act on behalf of animals when these important measures have reached his desk."
“We especially want to recognize the California Veterinary Medical Board for taking the initiative from our ACR 86 and running with it, developing what ultimately became this enormous and comprehensive bill. We thank every member of the Legislature for their unanimous support, and especially our author, Assemblymember Ash Kalra, who has worked with us on this issue for years and stayed committed to getting these substantial reforms across the finish line. This is a tremendous victory for animals, pet owners, shelters, nonprofits, and veterinary professionals throughout California,” said Judie Mancuso, Founder and President of Social Compassion in Legislation, cosponsor of AB 1999, and former California Veterinary Medical Board member, where she served the maximum two four-year terms.
"AB 1999 protects animals and consumers by ensuring only trained professionals perform surgical operations, while also easing shelter veterinary shortages and expanding access to care for Californians," said Jessica Sieferman, Executive Officer, California Veterinary Medical Board.
AB 1999 will increase veterinary resources for shelters and nonprofits, reduce unnecessary barriers and costs to veterinary care, modernize licensing provisions, and close an outdated loophole that left animals vulnerable to dangerous medical procedures performed by untrained individuals.
SCIL also extends its sincere thanks to our cosponsors, the California Veterinary Medical Board, California Veterinary Medical Association and San Diego Humane Society, whose expertise, collaboration, and commitment were instrumental in getting this comprehensive legislation across the finish line.
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