DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 842 Original 2022 Regular Session McMahen
Abstract: Provides for liability immunity for veterinary professionals who report animal cruelty,
neglect, or other prohibited acts towards animals.
Proposed law provides that veterinarians or veterinary technicians who report suspected animal
cruelty, neglect, or other prohibited acts shall be immune from civil liability or criminal prosecution
if they report in good faith and have reasonable cause.
Proposed law provides for immunity from liability if the veterinarian or veterinary technician reports
such violation to the commissioner or designee of the Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry, an animal
control officer, a law enforcement agency, or a prosecuting attorney. Proposed law further extends
the immunity from liability to a veterinarian or veterinary technician who participates in any
investigation or proceeding for acts prohibited by law as provided by proposed law.
Proposed law provides that the veterinarian or veterinary technician shall be immune from civil
liability or criminal prosecution for releasing confidential information to a court, federal or state
department, animal control officer, law enforcement agency, or prosecuting attorney.
Proposed law does not apply if the veterinarian or veterinary technician acts with gross negligence
or in bad faith.
(Adds R.S. 9:2800.28)