MS HB1528

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 with nine members including veterinarians, Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine representatives, veterinary students, and a Board of Trustees member.

Provides scholarship recipients up to $25,000 per year for a maximum of four years, requiring one year of practice as a veterinarian in a rural or underserved Mississippi area for each year of financial assistance received.

Limits program enrollment to four students per year and requires the commission to develop recruitment strategies, mentorship programs, and coursework to prepare students for veterinary practice in rural Mississippi.

Requires full repayment of all scholarship funds plus additional penalties if a recipient breaches their agreement or fails to practice in a designated underserved area within Mississippi; effective July 1, 2016.