NC S807

Appropriates $3,000,000 in recurring funds for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to establish the Livestock Veterinary Care Access Program to recruit and retain veterinarians in underserved rural and economically distressed areas through loan forgiveness, equipment cost-share assistance, and service subsidies.

Appropriates $1,000,000 in recurring funds for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to establish a Telemedicine for Livestock Health Program in partnership with North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine to provide veterinary telehealth services to underserved livestock farmers.

Requires the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to collect data and submit annual reports by October 1 to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources detailing expenditures, number of veterinarians assisted, participant retention, and recommendations for program improvements.

Authorizes the Department to use up to 3% of appropriated funds for technical and administrative support of both programs.

Becomes effective July 1, 2024, with intent for future funding at 0.05% of total state current operations and capital improvement appropriations from the prior fiscal year.