As used in this part:

1. (1) "Animal shelter" means the same as that term is defined in Section 11-46-102.
2. (2) "Education loan" means a loan received for education at a domestic or foreign institution of higher education, including a school or college of veterinary medicine.
3. (3) "Education loan balance" includes charges for paying off the balance of the loan.
4. (4) "Indian country" means the same as that term is defined in 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1151.
5. (5) "Livestock" means the same as that term is defined in Section 4-1-109.

6. (6) "Loan" means a loan that is made directly by, insured by, or guaranteed under a government program of:

   1. (a) a state;
   2. (b) the United States; or
   3. (c) a foreign government.

7. (7) "Maximum payment value" means the lesser of:

   1. (a) the sum of a qualified veterinarian's education loan balances; or
   2. (b) $20,000.
8. (8) "Program" means the Veterinarian Education Loan Repayment Program created in Section 4-2-902.

9. (9) "Qualified veterinarian" means a veterinarian who has practiced, as defined by rule made in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, as a veterinarian:

   1. (a) in an area of the state that is Indian country;

   2. (b) in an animal shelter within the state operated by:

      1. (i) a county;
      2. (ii) a municipality; or
      3. (iii) an organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code;
   3. (c) in any area of the state as an employee of the department;
   4. (d) in any combination of the areas described in Subsections (9)(a) through (c); or

   5. (e) with a practice that includes:

      1. (i) at least 30% livestock medicine; or
      2. (ii) at least 20% livestock medicine if the veterinarian practices at least 10% in any combination of the areas described in Subsection (9)(a) through (c).
10. (10) "Veterinarian" means an individual licensed under Title 58, Chapter 28, Veterinary Practice Act.

Amended by Chapter 91, 2025 General Session