HCS SS SCS SB 320 -- LARGE ANIMAL VETERINARY STUDENT LOAN
ASSISTANCE

This bill transfers the administration of the Large Animal
Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program from the Missouri
Veterinary Medical Board to the Department of Agriculture.  The
maximum number of veterinarians to whom loan repayments can be
granted each year is increased from five to six, the required
number of years of service in an area of defined need to satisfy
the loan repayment requirement is reduced from five to four, and
the maximum service loan repayment amount per year is increased
from $10,000 to $20,000.

The Large Animal Veterinary Student Loan Program is established
to provide up to six loans yearly to veterinary students
attending the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of
Missouri-Columbia.  No student can receive more than $80,000 in
loans.  Veterinary students agreeing to locate their practice in
department-identified, under-served areas of the state will have
certain amounts of their loan principal and interest forgiven.

The department director will appoint an advisory panel to make
recommendations regarding the administration of the programs.
The panel will consist of three licensed large animal
veterinarians, the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine,
and a public member representing agricultural interests.

The Veterinary Student Loan Payment Fund is created consisting of
appropriations from general revenue and donations.  Moneys in the
fund will be used for student loans and administrative expenses
incurred by the department.

The provisions regarding the Large Animal Veterinary Student Loan
Program will expire June 30, 2013.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:22 am