Committee Report—Legislative Committee Chair: Lola J. Michelin

The legislative committee established three goals after the conference in 2000.

1. To familiarize ourselves regarding legislative process in our areas
2. To collect information regarding current legislation in the United States and abroad.
3. To seek support for and draft local legislation if needed in our areas in keeping with the IAATH standards.

The committee has communicated loosely over the past eight months with only occasional correspondence. As chair, I have received documentation from Dr. Ahern regarding the legislative protocol in Western Australia. I have also corresponded via email with Martha Fishbach regarding the Alaskan position. Due to my commitment to local legislative efforts, I have been lax in collaborating with all the members of my committee regretfully.

To accomplish our second goal, I have contacted numerous resources in many states to request a “practice act” and to learn the various positions on alternative or complementary therapies for animals. We have collected information for the following states:

Lastly, in my own state I have lobbied for support from the Washington Thoroughbred Breeding Association and the Horsemen’s Benevolent Protection Agency and drafted legislation regarding the use of massage therapy for horses. The bill has passed both houses and is awaiting the Governor’s signature at this date in time.

In the coming months prior to our next conference, I intend to contact committee members for an updated report of their local activity as well as to get input on future action.

I am prepared to present our work at the conference and discuss possible models for legislative work in those states without current language.

Thank you,

Lola Michelin

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