Other Legislative
Updated 11.03.2025
Over the past two years, Congress has introduced several bills and regulatory actions aimed at improving equine welfare, veterinary acccess, and disease prevention. These measures reflect growing bipartisan interest in protecting horses and supporting the broader equine industry.
Racehorse Health and Safety Act of 2025
Introduced by Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), this proposal would repeal the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) and replace it with a state-led interstate compact. The bill establishes the Racehorse Health and Safety Organization and mandates uniform medication control and racetrack safety rules for all breeds. It emphasizes science-based standards while granting states flexibility in enforcement.
Equine Therapy for Veterans – VA Adaptive Sports Program
The FY 2025 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill includes $5 million in grants for equine therapy programs for veterans and service members with disabilities. Led by Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), this initiative supports retired racehorses in second careers while aiding veterans through therapeutic programs.
Rural Veterinary Workforce Act (H.R. 2398 / S. 1163)
Introduced in March 2025 by Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) with broad bipartisan support, this legislation seeks to eliminate federal taxation on student loan repayment awards under the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) and similar state programs, with a goal of expanding access to veterinary services in USDA-designated shortage areas, which reached a record 243 rural shortage zones in 46 states in 2025.
Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act
Earlier versions of this proposal laid the groundwork for the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act. The goal remains the same: remove tax barriers and strengthen recruitment for veterinarians willing to serve in high-need rural communities. Since its inception, the VMLRP has awarded 883 contracts, but demand far exceeds supply, with over 2,197 applications received.
Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (S.756)
Introduced on February 26, 2025, by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) with bipartisan co-sponsors. The legislation amends Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to expand the definition of qualified higher education expenses. Traditionally, 529 plans have been limited to college tuition, certain K–12 expenses, and registered apprenticeships. This Act
transforms 529 plans into career savings plans, allowing tax-free withdrawals for a broad range of workforce training and credentialing costs. Provisions of S.756 were enacted as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, effective for distributions made after July 4, 2025.
Volunteer Driver Tax Appreciation Act of 2025 (H.R.1582)
Introduced on February 25, 2025, by Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN-8) with bipartisan co-sponsors, the Volunteer Driver Tax Appreciation Act of 2025 seeks to modernize the tax treatment of volunteer mileage deductions. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means and has a companion measure in the Senate (S.1177, sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar). Under current law, volunteers who use their personal vehicles for charitable purposes can deduct 14 cents per mile, a rate set decades ago and far below the IRS business mileage rate (currently 70 cents per mile in 2025). This legislation seeks to alleviate financial burdens on volunteers, particularly those serving rural communities where travel distances are significant.