Bill > S1335

This bill revises contract requirements for state-supported medical and veterinary students in Idaho, expanding the existing provisions to include veterinary students and specifying new requirements for them. For both human medical and veterinary students who receive state funding, the bill mandates a contract requiring them to practice full-time in Idaho for four years within one year of obtaining their license, finishing a residency, or completing a fellowship. Specifically for veterinary students entering programs in the 2027-2028 academic year and beyond, the contract will require a focus on mixed practice agricultural animal veterinary medicine, with at least 600 hours annually dedicated to agricultural animals like cattle, sheep, goats, and swine. The bill also clarifies that one year of residency in Idaho counts as half a year towards the practice requirement, and for veterinary students, this residency must primarily involve agricultural animal practice. If a student fails to fulfill their contract, they must reimburse the state for their educational costs, with provisions for repayment schedules and potential suspension or waiver of the reimbursement obligation under certain circumstances. The bill also establishes a Human Medical Education Reimbursement Fund, which will now also be used for veterinary education, to cover administrative costs and provide incentive grants to practicing physicians and veterinarians in Idaho. These changes apply to human medical students starting in fall 2023 and veterinary students starting in fall 2027.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Education, Justice

State Affairs Committee (Senate)

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