An Act to prohibit certain persons from using the title veterinary technician.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota:

Section 1. That chapter 36-12 be amended with a NEW SECTION:

A person who is not registered as a veterinary technician by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, or whose registration is suspended or revoked, may not:

(1) Assume or use the title veterinary technician; or

(2) Advertise or otherwise represent oneself as a veterinary technician.

A veterinarian may not advertise or otherwise represent an employee as a veterinary technician unless the employee is registered by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners as a veterinary technician.

A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Section 2. That chapter 36-12 be amended with a NEW SECTION:

Prior to July 1, 2025, a person who is not registered as a veterinary technician by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners may not assume or use the title veterinary technician unless the person:

(1) Has successfully completed a veterinary technician course of study approved by the board; and

(2) Submits a notarized document to the board from the person's employing veterinarian certifying that the person:

(a) Has at least five years of practical experience working under the supervision of the veterinarian; and

(b) Has agreed to become registered as a veterinary technician under chapter 36-12 by July 1, 2025.

A veterinarian may advertise or otherwise represent an employee as a veterinary technician who satisfies the requirements of this section.

Section 3. Section 1 of this Act is effective July 1, 2025.