Agriculture and Forestry

SB 85 requires veterinarians in Alabama to establish a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) before prescribing or dispensing any medication. It mandates that this relationship must be renewed annually to remain valid and applies to all veterinarians at the same clinic location. The bill also sets time limits for prescription refills and clarifies definitions for terms like "client" and "patient." This directly affects pet owners seeking veterinary care and veterinarians who prescribe medications.

This Alabama bill establishes new rules for tethering and confining dogs outside, requiring owners to use properly fitted equipment and provide adequate food, water, and shelter. It specifies that tethers must be lightweight, allow continuous access to resources, and prevent entanglement, while prohibiting logging chains and choke collars. The law includes exemptions for working dogs, service animals, licensed facilities, and individuals walking dogs on leashes. Violations could result in misdemeanor charges and require the owner to cover boarding and veterinary costs, with animal control officers authorized to enforce these standards.

HB 446, the Alabama Dog Tethering and Outdoor Shelter Act, requires dogs to be tethered using a specific trolley system (with features like swivels, proper length, and secure attachment) or confined in a secure enclosure that provides adequate space, food, water, and shelter. It exempts certain activities like veterinary care, kennels, dog shows, and training for livestock or hunting. Violations are classified as a Class A misdemeanor, and animal control officers can inspect properties and remove dogs in danger. The law does not apply to dogs on leashes or temporary tethering at campsites or near businesses under specific conditions.

SB 71 prohibits Alabama environmental agencies from creating new rules or amending existing rules that set stricter pollution limits than federal standards for areas like air quality, drinking water, and hazardous waste handling. If no federal standard exists for a specific issue, agencies may only adopt stricter rules if they are based on "best available science" and "weight of scientific evidence," requiring a direct link to proven human health harm. The bill does not affect rules that comply with federal law, are less strict than federal standards, or address emergencies. This directly impacts Alabama's environmental protection agencies and industries regulated under these environmental standards.

HB 463 prohibits transporting live catfish harvested from Alabama public waters outside the state. It directly affects anglers, commercial harvesters, and anyone moving live catfish (specifically from the Ictaluridae family) out of Alabama. The bill amends existing law to add criminal penalties: a $1,000 fine for a first violation (Class B misdemeanor) and $2,000 for repeat offenses (Class A misdemeanor). The key provision bans out-of-state transport of live catfish - unlike the existing rule for other fish that allows limited personal use transport. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.