House committee hears HB88 to offer loan forgiveness for veterinary technicians

Representative Barnes presented House Bill 88 on behalf of the veterinary community, saying the measure would extend student-loan forgiveness to veterinary technicians to address a statewide shortage, particularly in rural areas.

Barnes said the bill builds on last session's work on veterinary student loan forgiveness and would provide five awards that could total up to $30,000 per recipient (described in committee as up to $10,000 a year for up to three years). "We passed SB20 last session which gives student loan forgiveness to veterinarians," Barnes said, "and I'm asking for five $10,000 loans to help five vet techs who would assist the veterinarians that we provided student loan forgiveness for last session." (Representative Barnes).

Members asked for clarity about award mechanics. Committee exchange clarified that eligible recipients could receive up to $30,000 and that language in the committee substitute (LC610402S) contains technical adjustments; staff will circulate corrected language before the next meeting.

Chair told members the committee would review the substitute and expected to bring HB88 back for action on Wednesday. No final vote on HB88 occurred during this session.

The bill is being discussed as a targeted workforce incentive to ease veterinary staffing shortages; proponents noted outreach from the state veterinary association and cited rural provider gaps. The committee asked that members direct technical questions to the sponsor before the next hearing.

What happens next: Committee staff will distribute the substitute language for member review and HB88 will return to the committee with corrected language for consideration on Wednesday.