1. (1) There is created within the department the Veterinarian Education Loan Repayment Program.

2. (2)

   1. (a) Beginning July 1, 2024, the program shall on a first-come, first-served basis make payments toward a qualified veterinarian's education loan balances.

   2. (b) A veterinarian is eligible for payments under Subsection (2)(a) if the veterinarian:

      1. (i) applies as a qualified veterinarian for payment from the program; and
      2. (ii) registers with the program at least one year before the day the veterinarian applies under Subsection (2)(b)(i) for payment.

   3. (c) Payments made under Subsection (2)(a) shall:

      1. (i) be made directly to one or more of the qualified veterinarian's lenders;
      2. (ii) as funding for the program permits, each year equal the maximum payment value; and
      3. (iii) extend for a period no longer than five years for the qualified veterinarian.
3. (3) The department may use 2% or less of the amount appropriated for the program to pay for actual costs of administering the program.
4. (4) On or before October 1 each year, the department shall submit a report of the program's revenues, expenditures, and outcomes to the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee and the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee.
5. (5) The department may make rules in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, to administer the program, including rules specifying how a veterinarian may register intent to apply for payment from the program.

Amended by Chapter 91, 2024 General Session