Bill > S1335

This bill amends existing law to revise contract requirements for state-supported medical and veterinary students, expanding the scope to include veterinary education programs starting in the fall of 2027. For both human medical and veterinary students, the contract will require them to commit to four years of full-time professional practice in Idaho within one year of obtaining their license, finishing a residency, or completing a fellowship. Specifically for veterinary students entering programs in fall 2027, the contract will mandate a course of study and subsequent service focused on mixed practice agricultural animal veterinary medicine, requiring at least 600 hours of annual clinical practice dedicated to agricultural animals, which include cattle, sheep, goats, and swine. The bill also clarifies that each year of a residency served in Idaho, up to four years, counts as half a year towards the practice requirement, with a specific emphasis for veterinary students that the majority of their residency time must be devoted to mixed practice agricultural animal veterinary medicine. If a student fails to fulfill their contract, they will be required to reimburse the state for the cost of their education, with provisions for repayment schedules, suspension, or waiver of the reimbursement obligation under certain circumstances. The bill also establishes a "Human Medical Education Reimbursement Fund" to cover administrative costs and provide incentive grants to licensed physicians practicing in Idaho. Finally, the bill declares an emergency, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Education, Justice

State Affairs Committee (Senate)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1335/