CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Adds veterinarians and veterinary clinics to the definitions of "healthcare professional" and "healthcare facility" for purposes of certain assault and battery offenses. (8/1/25) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

SB 21 amends the law to include veterinarians, veterinary staff, and veterinary clinics within the legal definitions of "healthcare professional" and "healthcare facility." This change means that assault or battery offenses committed against veterinary professionals or their clinics will now be covered under the same criminal statutes that protect human healthcare workers. The bill directly affects veterinarians, their staff, and veterinary clinics by expanding their legal protection under assault and battery laws. It does not create new offenses but extends existing protections to veterinary care settings.