Senator Johnson originally filed legislation to modify the veterinary client–patient relationship for telemedicine. Senators Blanco and Johnson presented a committee substitute that converts the bill into a directed study.

Under the committee substitute, the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners must study the viability and implications of establishing a veterinarian–client–patient relationship by telephone or electronic means, consider best practices and safeguards, and report results to the Legislature by Dec. 1, 2026. Senator Johnson said the substitute will allow stakeholders time during the interim to build a foundational framework similar to human telehealth work done previously.

Committee members expressed mixed views: some said the study will produce useful interim consensus and workforce benefits, while others questioned whether it would change entrenched views. There was no public testimony on the substitute in committee. The committee adopted the substitute by roll call and reported the substitute favorably to the full Senate (5 ayes, 1 nay recorded).