MS HB944

Establishes the Mississippi Rural Veterinarians Scholarship Program to identify and recruit qualified students from rural areas for veterinary school matriculation.

Creates the Mississippi Rural Veterinarians Scholarship Commission composed of nine members including veterinarians, Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine designees, veterinary students, a Board of Trustees member, and the Chair of Clinical Sciences.

Provides scholarship recipients with up to $40,000 per year for up to four years, with recipients obligated to practice veterinary medicine in rural or underserved areas of Mississippi for one year per year of financial assistance received.

Requires full repayment of all scholarship funds if a recipient breaches the agreement or fails to practice in a designated underserved area within Mississippi.

Limits enrollment to no more than five students per year and gives the commission authority to designate underserved and rural areas of the state.