HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 84

(By Delegates Rohrbach and Ferrell)

March 11, 2023

Referred to the Committee on Rules

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study state aid for students of veterinary medicine with relation to §18C-1-1 and §18-11-9a of the West Virginia Code.

Whereas, The State of West Virginia has an absence of schools offering Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree programs to interest in-state students; and

Whereas, Many of West Virginia's veterinary technician programs being offered in community and technical colleges are operating on limited budgets and lack the staffing necessary to meet industry needs; and

Whereas, The current Medical Student Loan Program described in §18C-3-1 of the West Virginia Code can serve as a template upon which this new program may be designed; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study how best to improve these sections of the West Virginia Code to help grow and support a workforce trained in veterinary medicine in this state and how best to provide increased opportunities for students in pursuit of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance will also study a student loan repayment program for those seeking a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree who are interested in practicing in West Virginia. This study will concern whether a student loan repayment plan can help to address the demand for trained veterinarians, in both large and small animal medicine, and the current shortage of such workers throughout the state; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance will also study the support network within the veterinary workforce framework of West Virginia's veterinary technician community and technical college programs; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance shall report to its findings, conclusions, and recommendations along with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations during the Regular Session of the Legislature in 2024; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, prepare a report, and draft necessary legislation will be paid from legislative appropriations of the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.