Texas House Bill HB1851

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the requirement that the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners provide a copy of a complaint to the subject of the complaint.

Impact

The bill's implementation would require changes to the operational protocols of the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. By compelling the board to promptly notify license holders about complaints, the bill may improve the accountability of the regulatory process. However, the law includes a provision that allows the board to withhold disclosure if it believes that doing so could jeopardize an ongoing investigation, which is intended to balance transparency with the need for due process in investigations.

Summary

House Bill 1851 aims to amend the Texas Occupations Code by establishing a new requirement for the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Specifically, the bill mandates that the board must provide a copy of each complaint filed against a license holder to that individual within 14 days of the complaint being registered. This legislation seeks to enhance transparency in the complaint process and ensure that veterinary professionals are informed about allegations against them in a timely manner.

Contention

One point of contention regarding HB 1851 may center around the balance between transparency and the effective management of complaints. Proponents are likely to argue that timely notification can aid veterinary professionals in addressing allegations promptly and may contribute to their professional reputation. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns that immediate disclosure could potentially compromise the integrity of certain investigations or lead to undue distress for the accused prior to the resolution of the complaint.