OH HB67

Creates the Veterinarian Student Debt Assistance Program allowing the state veterinary medical licensing board to repay educational loans for eligible veterinarians through contracts.

Requires veterinarians to perform at least 12 hours of charitable veterinary services (including spay and neuter operations) for nonprofits, humane societies, law enforcement, or government entities to qualify for assistance.

Establishes a lottery system for selecting recipients in odd-numbered calendar years, with each selected veterinarian receiving between $5,000 and $10,000 annually in loan repayment assistance.

Requires participating veterinarians to agree to reside in Ohio for a minimum period not exceeding two years and to perform specified charitable services; failure to complete obligations results in damages up to the amount awarded.

Creates the veterinary student debt assistance fund in the state treasury, funded by transfers from the occupational licensing and regulatory fund starting August 30, 2021, and biennially thereafter based on a formula calculation.