Veterinarian Education Loan Repayment Program

Utah Code tit. 4, ch. 4-2, pt. 4-2-P9

in effect

Utah Code § 4-2-901 Definitions.

4-2-901. Definitions. As used in this part: (1) "Animal shelter" means the same as that term is defined in Section 11-46-102. (2) "Education loan" means a loan received for education at a domestic or foreign institution of higher education, including a school or college of veterinary medicine. (3) "Education loan balance" includes charges for paying off the balance of the loan. (4) "Indian country" means the same as that term is defined in 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1151. (5) "Livestock" means the same as that term is defined in Section 4-1-109. (6) "Loan" means a loan that is made directly by, insured by, or guaranteed under a government program of: (a) a state; (b) the United States; or (c) a foreign government. (7) "Maximum payment value" means the lesser of: (a) the sum of a qualified veterinarian's education loan balances; or (b) $20,000. (8) "Program" means the Veterinarian Education Loan Repayment Program created in Section 4-2-902. (9) "Qualified veterinarian" means a veterinarian who has practiced, as defined by rule made in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, as a veterinarian: (a) in an area of the state that is Indian country; (b) in an animal shelter within the state operated by: (i) a county; (ii) a municipality; or (iii) an organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code; (c) in any area of the state as an employee of the department; (d) in any combination of the areas described in Subsections (9)(a) through (c); or (e) with a practice that includes: (i) at least 30% livestock medicine; or (ii) at least 20% livestock medicine if the veterinarian practices at least 10% in any combination of the areas described in Subsection (9)(a) through (c). (10) "Veterinarian" means an individual licensed under Title 58, Chapter 28, Veterinary Practice Act. Amended by Chapter 91, 2025 General Session

Utah Code § 4-2-902 Veterinarian Education Loan Repayment Program.

4-2-902. Veterinarian Education Loan Repayment Program. (1) There is created within the department the Veterinarian Education Loan Repayment Program. (2) (a) Beginning July 1, 2024, the program shall on a first-come, first-served basis make payments toward a qualified veterinarian's education loan balances. (b) A veterinarian is eligible for payments under Subsection (2)(a) if the veterinarian: (i) applies as a qualified veterinarian for payment from the program; and (ii) registers with the program at least one year before the day the veterinarian applies under Subsection (2)(b)(i) for payment. (c) Payments made under Subsection (2)(a) shall: (i) be made directly to one or more of the qualified veterinarian's lenders; (ii) as funding for the program permits, each year equal the maximum payment value; and (iii) extend for a period no longer than five years for the qualified veterinarian. (3) The department may use 2% or less of the amount appropriated for the program to pay for actual costs of administering the program. (4) On or before October 1 each year, the department shall submit a report of the program's revenues, expenditures, and outcomes to the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee and the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee. (5) The department may make rules in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, to administer the program, including rules specifying how a veterinarian may register intent to apply for payment from the program. Amended by Chapter 91, 2024 General Session

Utah Code § 4-2-903 Animal care violations.

4-2-903. Animal care violations. (1) "Animal care facility" means the same as that term is defined in Section 76-13-215. (2) The department may, in accordance with this section and as resources allow, respond to a complaint that an animal care facility has violated Subsection 76-13-202(2)(a) or Section 76-13-215. (3) If the department determines that a person has violated Subsection 76-13-202(2)(a) or Section 76-13-215, the department may: (a) impose a civil fine of up to $500 per violation; (b) seek a temporary restraining order; (c) seek an injunction; (d) seek an order of seizure or condemnation for an animal that is the subject of the violation, if the department has identified a suitable animal care facility that accepts custody of the animal; or (e) report the circumstances to law enforcement or a prosecutor. (4) An action by the department under Subsection (3) may precede and does not preclude a criminal penalty or criminal prosecution under Section 76-13-202, 76-13-203, 76-13-204, or 76-13-215. (5) The department shall deposit a fine imposed under Subsection (3) into the General Fund as a dedicated credit to be used by the department for enforcement of this section. Amended by Chapter 173, 2025 General Session

Source: Utah Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel (le.utah.gov)URL: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title4/Chapter2/4-2-P9.html?v=C4-2-P9_2023050320230503Fetched: 10/26/2026