AB 487 — Directs the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources to conduct a study during the 2025-2026 interim concerning the sale of cats and dogs by retail pet stores in this State. (BDR S-1096)
Last action — (No further action taken.)
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✓Introduced
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✓In Committee
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3Passed Assembly
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4Passed Senate
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5To Executive
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6Enacted
This bill died with 2025 Regular Session. It reached “Passed Assembly” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.
Bill Text
What changed in the latest version
387 added · 34 removed387 line(s) added, 34 removed.
(Reprinted with amendments adopted on MayApril 20,18, 2025) SECONDFIRST REPRINT A.B.
487–COMMITTEE ON NATURAL R ESOURCES M ARCH 24, 2025 ____________ Referred to Committee on Natural Resources SUMMARY—DirectsSUMMARY—Revises theprovisions Jointrelating Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources to conduct a study during the 2025-2026 interim concerning the sale of catscertain andpets. dogs by retail pet stores in this State.
(BDR S-1096)50-1096) FISCAL NOTE:
directingprohibiting thea Jointretail Interimpet Standingstore Committeefrom onselling, Naturaloffering Resources to conductsell, abartering, studyauctioning duringor theotherwise 2025-2026transferring interimownership concerning the sale of catsany anddog dogsor bycat; retail pet stores in this State;
providing that an operator of a retail pet store that commits such an act is guilty of a misdemeanor;
revising provisions governing the sale of dogs and cats;
providing penalties;
Existingdogs lawor createscats. the Joint Interim Standing Committee on Natural Resources.
(NRS 218E.320)574.450-574.510) ExistingSection law8 authorizesof this bill revises the Committeetermho to:sell “retailer” to “retail pet store” and revises the definition for purposes of such requirements to mean a commercial establishment in the business of acquiring animals for resale that sells or offers to sell such animals to consumers on the premises of the business.
(1)Section evaluate6 investigationsof andthis holdbill hearings;provides that the definition of “deSection 2 of this bill prohibits a retail pet store from selling, offering to sell, bartering, auctioning or otherwise transferring ownership of any dog or cat.
andSection (3)2 conductfurther: studies as directed by the Legislature or Legislative Commission.
Existing(1) lawprovides requiresthat thean Committeeoperator toof makea certainretail reportspet tostore thethat Legislature.violates this prohibition is guilty of a misdemeanor;
(NRSand 218E.330)(2) Thisauthorizes bill directs the Committeecourt to conductprohibit such a studyperson duringfrom theselling 2025-2026any interimdogs concerningor thecats salethat ofhe catsor andshe dogsis byotherwise retailauthorized petto storessell inas thisa State.breeder or dealer for not more than 1 year.
Finally, section 2 provides that, for is a separate offense.g a violation of section 2, each act that constitutes a violation Section 7.5 of this bill revises the definition of “operator” to specifically include a person responsible for the operation of a retail pet store.
Section 4 of this bill applies certain definitions concerning the care of animals to the provisions of section 2.
Sections 5, 7 and 10-17 of this bill make conforming changes to remove - *AB487_R1* – 2 – references to retailers from certain provisions governing requirements for entities who sell dogs or cats.
Section 9 of this bill provides that the provisions of section 2 do not apply to certain activities.
attempts to sell, offers for adoption or transfers ownership of a live animal at a swap meet is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Existing law, as an exception to such a prohibition, authorizes a person to perform such acts at a swap meet if it is conducted in a county or incorporated city in this State that has authorized, by an ordinance which meets certain requirements, such a sale and the person performs instead prohibits a person from selling, attempting to sell or offering for adoption or transferring ownership of a dog or cat at a swap meet, without exception.
Chapter 574 of NRS is hereby amended by adding thereto the provisions set forth as sections 2 and 3 of this act.
Sec.
2.
TheA Jointretail Interimpet Standingstore Committee on Natural Resources shall conductnot asell, studyoffer duringto thesell, 2025-2026barter, interimauction concerningor theotherwise saletransfer ownership of catsany anddog dogsor bycat. retail pet stores in this State.
- *AB487_R2* – 2 – 2.
TheNothing studyin mustthis include,section withoutshall limitation,be construed to prohibit a retail pet store from collaborating with an examinationanimal of:shelter or animal rescue organization for the purpose of adoption to provide space to showcase dogs or cats under the care of the animal shelter or animal rescue organization.
(a)A Theretail acquisitionpet ofstore catsthat andprovides dogsspace byto retailan petanimal storesshelter foror resaleanimal rescue organization in thissuch State;a manner must not receive any compensation for showcasing the dog or cat or any portion of the fees that result from the adoption of the dog or cat.
and (b) The treatment of cats and dogs by retail pet stores after the cats and dogs are acquired and before the cats and dogs are sold by the retail pet stores.
TheAn Committeeoperator shallof includea itsretail findingspet relatingstore tothat theviolates prepared and submitted to the Directorprovisions of thethis Legislativesection Counseleis Bureauguilty for transmittal to the 84th Session of thea Legislature.misdemeanor.
H4. - *AB487_R2*
For the purposes of prosecuting a violation of this section, each act that constitutes a violation of this section is a separate offense.
In addition to any other penalty that may be imposed, the court may prohibit a person who is guilty of a misdemeanor pursuant to subsection 3 from selling any dogs or cats that he or she is otherwise authorized to sell as a breeder or dealer, if applicable, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter for not more than 1 year.
5.
As used in this section, “animal rescue organization” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 574.205.
The term does not include a dealer, a breeder or any organization that is located on the premises of or shares employees with a breeder.
Sec.
3.
(Deleted by amendment.) - *AB487_R1* – 3 – Sec.
4.
NRS 574.210 is hereby amended to read as follows:
574.210 As used in NRS 574.210 to 574.510, inclusive, and section 2 of this act, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 574.220 to 574.330, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.
Show all 223 changed lines (183 more)
Sec.
5.
NRS 574.250 is hereby amended to read as follows:
574.250 “Cattery” means a place where at least 10 cats of not less than 6 months of age are kept, harbored or maintained for:
1.
Boarding;
2.
Training;
or 3.
Breeding for sale to a [retailer or] dealer.
For the purposes of this section, spayed or neutered cats must not be counted when determining the number of cats that are being kept, harbored or maintained.
Sec.
6.
NRS 574.260 is hereby amended to read as follows:
574.260 “Dealer” means a person who, for compensation or profit, buys, sells, breeds, trades or imports cats or dogs for resale.
The term does not include a retail pet store.
Sec.
7.
NRS 574.280 is hereby amended to read as follows:
574.280 “Kennel” means a place where at least 10 dogs of not less than 6 months of age are kept, harbored or maintained for:
1.
Boarding;
2.
Training;
or 3.
Breeding for sale to a [retailer or] dealer.
For the purposes of this section, spayed or neutered dogs, dogs used by or being trained for use by the Armed Forces, police officers, search and rescue teams or other similar organizations, dogs used in farming or ranching, and dogs used by or being trained for use by persons with disabilities, including, but not limited to, dogs used to assist persons in wheelchairs, must not be counted when determining the number of dogs that are being kept, harbored or maintained.
Sec.
7.5.
NRS 574.290 is hereby amended to read as follows:
574.290 “Operator” means a person responsible for the operation of:
1.
A cattery, kennel , retail pet store or commercial establishment engaged in the business of selling animals;
or 2.
An animal shelter.
Sec.
8.
NRS 574.320 is hereby amended to read as follows:
574.320 [“Retailer”] “Retail pet store” means a [person who acquires pets] commercial establishment engaged in the business of acquiring animals for resale [.] that sells or offers to sell such animals to consumers on the premises of the business.
- *AB487_R1* – 4 – Sec.
9.
NRS 574.340 is hereby amended to read as follows:
574.340 1.
The provisions of NRS 574.210 to 574.510, inclusive, and section 2 of this act do not apply to:
(a) The exhibition, production, marketing or disposal of any livestock, poultry, fish or other agricultural commodity or animal.
(b) Activities for which a license is required by the provisions of chapter 466 of NRS.
(c) The housing of domestic cats or dogs kept as pets or cared for, without remuneration other than payment for reasonable expenses relating to the care of the cats or dogs, on behalf of another person in a home environment.
(d) The exhibition of dogs or cats.
2.
As used in this section:
(a) “Animal” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 564.010.
(b) “Livestock” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 569.0085.
Sec.
10.
NRS 574.450 is hereby amended to read as follows:
574.450 1.
A [retailer or] dealer shall, after the acquisition of a cat or dog for resale, cause the cat or dog to be examined by a veterinarian.
The [retailer or] dealer shall not sell the cat or dog before it is initially examined by a veterinarian.
2.
A [retailer or] dealer shall cause a cat or dog acquired for resale to be reexamined by a veterinarian:
(a) Fourteen days after the date of its initial examination;
and (b) Every 30 days thereafter until sold.
3.
If a veterinarian conducting an examination pursuant to this section finds that the cat or dog has no illness, disease or other condition that is terminal or requires immediate hospitalization or immediate surgical intervention, the veterinarian shall provide a written statement setting forth his or her findings to the [retailer or] dealer.
4.
A [retailer or] dealer shall not knowingly sell a cat or dog if it has an illness, disease or other condition that is terminal or requires immediate hospitalization or immediate surgical intervention.
5.
For the purposes of this section, the presence of internal or external parasites does not constitute an illness, disease or other condition that is terminal or requires immediate hospitalization or immediate surgical intervention unless the cat or dog is clinically ill as a result of the parasite.
Sec.
11.
NRS 574.460 is hereby amended to read as follows:
574.460 1.
A [retailer or] dealer shall, before selling a cat, provide the purchaser of the cat with a written statement that discloses:
(a) The name, address and telephone number of the [retailer or] dealer.
- *AB487_R1* – 5 – (b) The date the cat was born, if known.
(c) The name and address of the person from whom the [retailer or] dealer obtained the cat and, if the person holds a license issued by the United States Department of Agriculture, the person’s federal identification number.
(d) The name and address of the breeder of the cat and, if the breeder holds a license issued by the United States Department of Agriculture, the breeder’s federal identification number.
(e) The registration numbers, if any, of the cat’s sire and dam with the appropriate breed registry or any health certifications from a health certification organization such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or its successor organization, if any.
(f) A record of any immunizations administered to the cat before the time of sale, including the type of vaccine, date of administration and name and address of the veterinarian who prescribed the vaccine.
(g) Any sterilization requirements for the cat required by local ordinance.
(h) The medical history of the cat, including, without limitation:
(1) The date that a veterinarian examined and, if applicable, reexamined the cat pursuant to subsections 1 and 2 of NRS 574.450 and determined that the cat did not have any illness, disease or other condition that is terminal or requires immediate hospitalization or immediate surgical intervention.
For the purposes of this subparagraph, the presence of internal or external parasites does not constitute an illness, disease or other condition that is terminal or requires immediate hospitalization or immediate surgical intervention, unless the cat is clinically ill as a result of the parasite.
(2) Whether any treatment or medication has been administered by the veterinarian who examined or, if applicable, reexamined the cat pursuant to subsections 1 and 2 of NRS 574.450 and if such treatment or medication was administered, a statement indicating on what date it was administered and for what illness, disease or condition.
(3) The date on which the veterinarian sterilized the cat, if applicable.
(4) The name and address of the veterinarian who performed the examinations, reexaminations or sterilization or administered any treatments or medications.
(i) That a copy of the veterinarian’s evaluation of the health of the cat made pursuant to NRS 574.450 is available to the purchaser.
2.
The written statement must be signed and dated by the [retailer or] dealer and contain a space for the purchaser to sign and date the statement as an attestation that the purchaser has read and understands the disclosures contained in the statement.
- *AB487_R1* – 6 – Sec.
12.
NRS 574.470 is hereby amended to read as follows:
574.470 1.
A [retailer or] dealer shall, before selling a dog, provide the purchaser of the dog with a written statement that discloses:
(a) The name, address and telephone number of the [retailer or] dealer.
(b) The date the dog was born, if known.
(c) The name and address of the person from whom the [retailer or] dealer obtained the dog and, if the person holds a license issued by the United States Department of Agriculture, the person’s federal identification number.
(d) The name and address of the breeder of the dog and, if the breeder holds a license issued by the United States Department of Agriculture, the breeder’s federal identification number.
(e) The registration numbers, if any, of the dog’s sire and dam with the appropriate breed registry or any health certificates from a health certification organization such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or its successor organization, if any.
(f) A record of any immunizations administered to the dog before the time of sale, including the type of vaccine, date of administration and name and address of the veterinarian who prescribed the vaccine.
(g) Any sterilization requirements for the dog required by local ordinance.
(h) The medical history of the dog, including, without limitation:
(1) The date that a veterinarian examined and, if applicable, reexamined the dog pursuant to subsections 1 and 2 of NRS 574.450 and determined that the dog did not have any illness, disease or other condition that is terminal or requires immediate hospitalization or immediate surgical intervention.
For the purposes of this subparagraph, the presence of internal or external parasites does not constitute an illness, disease or other condition that is terminal or requires immediate hospitalization or immediate surgical intervention, unless the dog is clinically ill as a result of the parasite.
(2) Whether any treatment or medication has been administered by the veterinarian who examined or, if applicable, reexamined the dog pursuant to subsections 1 and 2 of NRS 574.450 and, if such treatment or medication was administered, a statement indicating on what date it was administered and for what illness, disease or condition.
(3) The date on which the veterinarian sterilized the dog, if applicable.
- *AB487_R1* – 7 – (4) The name and address of the veterinarian who performed the examinations, reexaminations or sterilization or administered any treatments or medications.
(i) That a copy of the veterinarian’s evaluation of the health of the dog performed pursuant to NRS 574.450 is available to the purchaser.
2.
The written statement must be signed and dated by the [retailer or] dealer and contain a space for the purchaser to sign and date the statement as an attestation that the purchaser has read and understands the disclosures contained in the statement.
Sec.
13.
NRS 574.480 is hereby amended to read as follows:
574.480 A [retailer or] dealer shall conspicuously post within close proximity to the primary enclosure of a dog or cat offered for sale the following notice printed in at least 48-point type upon paper that is at least 11 inches wide and 17 inches long:
NEVADA LAW REQUIRES THAT INFORMATION CONCERNING THE DATE OF BIRTH, SOURCE, LINEAGE AND MEDICAL HISTORY OF THESE DOGS (OR CATS) BE PROVIDED TO THE PURCHASER BEFORE THE COMPLETION OF ANY SALE.
Sec.
14.
NRS 574.485 is hereby amended to read as follows:
574.485 1.
In addition to any other penalty provided by law, the Director of the State Department of Agriculture may impose an administrative fine on any [retailer or] dealer who violates the provisions of NRS 574.460, 574.470 or 574.480 in an amount not to exceed:
For the first violation........................................................$250 For the second violation.....................................................500 For each subsequent violation.........................................1,000 2.
All fines collected by the Director pursuant to subsection 1 must be deposited with the State Treasurer for credit to the State General Fund.
Sec.
15.
NRS 574.490 is hereby amended to read as follows:
574.490 If a person purchases a [pet] dog or cat from a [retailer or] dealer and, within 10 days after the sale, a veterinarian determines that the [pet] dog or cat has an illness, disease or other condition that is terminal or requires immediate hospitalization or immediate surgical intervention and that was in existence on the date of the sale, the [retailer or] dealer shall, at the option of the purchaser, either:
- *AB487_R1* – 8 – 1.
Refund the purchase price of the [pet] dog or cat if the [pet] dog or cat is returned or provide the purchaser with another [pet] dog or cat of equal value;
or 2.
Reimburse the purchaser, in an amount not to exceed the purchase price of the [pet,] dog or cat, for expenses incurred by the purchaser in obtaining a diagnosis and treatment for the [pet] dog or cat from a veterinarian chosen by the [retailer or] dealer.
Sec.
16.
NRS 574.500 is hereby amended to read as follows:
574.500 1.
A [retailer,] dealer or operator shall not separate a dog or cat from its mother until it is 8 weeks of age or accustomed to taking food or nourishment other than by nursing, whichever is later.
2.
A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Sec.
17.
NRS 574.510 is hereby amended to read as follows:
574.510 1.
A [retailer or] dealer who sells a dog or cat that the [retailer or] dealer knows has any illness, disease or other condition that is terminal or requires immediate hospitalization or immediate surgical intervention and fails to disclose such information at the time of sale is guilty of a misdemeanor.
In addition to any other penalty that may be imposed, the court may prohibit a person convicted of a violation of this section from selling any dogs or cats for not more than 1 year.
2.
For the purposes of this section, the presence of internal or external parasites does not constitute an illness, disease or other condition that is terminal or requires immediate hospitalization or immediate surgical intervention unless the dog or cat is clinically ill as a result of the parasite.
Sec.
18.
NRS 574.550 is hereby amended to read as follows:
574.550 1.
Except as otherwise provided in subsections 2 and 3, a person who sells or attempts to sell, offers for adoption or transfers ownership of a live animal at a swap meet is guilty of a misdemeanor.
2.
A person may sell, attempt to sell, offer for adoption or transfer ownership of a live animal other than a dog or cat or dog at a swap meet if:
(a) The swap meet is conducted in a county or incorporated city in this State that has adopted an ordinance authorizing the sale of live animals at a swap meet;
(b) The person sells, attempts to sell, offers for adoption or transfers ownership of the animal in accordance with the ordinance;
and (c) The ordinance, at a minimum:
- *AB487_R1* – 9 – (1) Includes provisions which are substantially similar to the provisions of NRS 574.360 to 574.510, inclusive, and section 2 of this act and are applicable to all animals offered for sale and all persons who sell, attempt to sell, offer for adoption or transfer ownership of an animal at the swap meet;
and (2) Does not authorize a person to commit an act of cruelty to an animal in violation of NRS 574.050 to 574.200, inclusive.
3.
The provisions of this section do not:
(a) Apply to any sale or transfer of ownership of any livestock.
(b) Apply to any event where the primary purpose is to sell or auction livestock or agricultural implements.
(c) Apply to any adoption of a dog or cat at an event held outdoors by an animal shelter or rescue organization that is recognized as exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C.
§ 501(c)(3).
(d) Apply to a person who offers for adoption or transfers ownership of a live animal at a swap meet if:
(1) A fee is not charged or collected for the adoption or transfer of ownership or otherwise in connection with the transaction;
and (2) The animal has had all the required vaccinations which are appropriate based upon the age of the animal.
(e) Exempt a person from complying with:
(1) Any requirement to obtain a license or other authorization to engage in a business in a county or incorporated city in this State;
or (2) Any other requirement of the county or incorporated city to engage in business or to sell, attempt to sell, offer for adoption or transfer ownership of a live animal at a swap meet.
4.
As used in this section:
(a) “Livestock” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 569.0085.
(b) “Sell” means to barter, exchange, sell, trade, offer for sale, expose for sale, have in possession for sale, arrange the sale of or solicit for sale.
(c) “Swap meet” means a flea market, open-air market or other organized event at which two or more persons offer merchandise for sale or exchange.
Sec.
19.
NRS 574.300 is hereby repealed.
Sec.
20.
This act becomes effective on January 1, 2026.
- *AB487_R1* – 10 – TEXT OF REPEALED SECTION 574.300 “Pet” defined.
“Pet” means a domestic cat or dog commonly kept for pleasure.
H - *AB487_R1*
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Amendments
2 amendmentsClick Show changes on an amendment above to see how it modifies the bill.
Action History
-
(No further action taken.)
-
In Assembly.
-
Senate Amendment No. 627 not receded from. Conference requested. Conference Committee appointed by Senate. To Assembly.
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In Senate.
-
Senate Amendment No. 627 not concurred in. To Senate.
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Read third time. Passed, as amended. Title approved, as amended. (Yeas: 17, Nays: 4.) To Assembly. In Assembly.
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From printer. To re-engrossment. Re-engrossed. Second reprint.
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From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. Placed on Second Reading File. Read second time. Amended. (Amend. No. 627.) To printer.
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From printer. To engrossment. Engrossed. First reprint. To Senate. In Senate. Read first time. Referred to Committee on Natural Resources. To committee.
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Read third time. Passed, as amended. Title approved, as amended. (Yeas: 32, Nays: 9, Excused: 1.) To printer.
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Read second time. Amended. (Amend. No. 262.) Dispensed with reprinting.
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From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended.
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From printer. To committee.
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Read first time. Referred to Committee on Natural Resources. To printer.
Sponsors
- Assembly Committee on Natural Resources · Primary
Sponsorship breakdown
Export CSV (upgrade) →1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 66 not signed on · 4 voted No
Sponsors (1)
- Assembly Committee on Natural Resources
Co-sponsors (0)
None.
Not signed on (66)
66 members have not signed on to this bill.
Show all 66 →"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.
Votes
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Democratic | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 17 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| % of votes cast | 81% | 19% | 0% | 0% |
How each member voted (21)
| Member | Party | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Cannizzaro, Nicole J. | Democratic | Yea |
| Cruz-Crawford, Michelee "Shelly" | Democratic | Yea |
| Daly, Skip | Democratic | Yea |
| Dondero Loop, Marilyn | Democratic | Yea |
| Doñate, Fabian | Democratic | Yea |
| Flores, Edgar | Democratic | Yea |
| Lange, Roberta | Democratic | Yea |
| Neal, Dina | Democratic | Yea |
| Nguyen, Rochelle T. | Democratic | Yea |
| Ohrenschall, James | Democratic | Yea |
| Pazina, Julie | Democratic | Yea |
| Scheible, Melanie | Democratic | Yea |
| Taylor, Angela D. | Democratic | Yea |
| Buck, Carrie Ann | Republican | Nay |
| Ellison, John | Republican | Yea |
| Hansen, Ira | Republican | Yea |
| Krasner, Lisa | Republican | Nay |
| Rogich, Lori | Republican | Yea |
| Steinbeck, John C. | Republican | Yea |
| Stone, Jeff | Republican | Nay |
| Titus, Robin L. | Republican | Nay |
Subjects
Frequently asked questions
- Who sponsors AB 487?
- AB 487 is sponsored by Assembly Committee on Natural Resources.
- What is the current status of AB 487?
- This bill died with 2025 Regular Session. It reached “Passed Assembly” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
- Where can I track AB 487?
- Track AB 487 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.
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