The bill, H.B. No. 4546, introduces a new section, 801.365, to the Occupations Code, which establishes specific procedures for lawsuits against veterinarians employed by governmental units. It mandates that if a plaintiff files a suit against both a governmental unit and a veterinarian employee, the court must require the plaintiff to amend their pleadings to dismiss either the governmental unit or the veterinarian. If the plaintiff fails to comply, the court is obligated to dismiss the suit. Additionally, if the suit is based on veterinary services provided within the veterinarian's employment scope, the plaintiff must elect whether to pursue the case against the veterinarian in their official or individual capacity, with similar consequences for non-compliance.

The bill also clarifies that the new provisions will only apply to actions commenced on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, while actions initiated before this date will continue to be governed by the existing law. This legislative change aims to streamline the legal process for suits involving veterinarians and clarify the election of remedies in such cases.

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