Committee hears broad support for veterinary loan‑repayment bill to address rural shortages (HB 860)

Representative Greg, sponsor of House Bill 860, opened the hearing saying Montana faces a ‘‘severe shortage’’ of veterinarians in rural and underserved counties and proposed a student loan repayment program to incentivize veterinarians to practice in those areas.

Proponents representing veterinary education, producer groups and statewide veterinary associations urged the committee to approve the bill. Jocelyn Cahill of Rocky Vista University College of Veterinary Medicine described the program design: students enrolled in an accredited veterinary program would be eligible for annual reimbursement (up to $25,000 for four‑year DVM programs or $33,333 for three‑year DVM programs) in return for a four‑year service commitment in an area designated by the administering office as underserved. Cahill said preference would be given to Montana residents and that the commissioner…