Representative presented House Bill 366, which would add veterinarians to the statutory listing of health care practitioners. The sponsor said the change is intended to support recruitment and retention of veterinarians in rural New Mexico, and to make veterinarians eligible for workforce and loan-repayment programs for health-care practitioners.

The sponsor said the bill responds to a declining veterinarian population and that the measure could enable veterinarians to qualify for the same categories as other health-care practitioners. Committee members asked whether the designation would affect noncompete clauses and tax treatment; the sponsor said the change could affect gross receipts tax exemptions and loan-repayment eligibility, but specifics depend on program rules.

There was no public opposition at the hearing. Representative Hall moved a due-pass recommendation on House Bill 366; Representative Reeb seconded. The committee chair announced a do pass on HB 366.

The committee record shows bipartisan procedural support and no extended debate at this hearing.