Student financial aid: California Public Interest Veterinary Debt Relief Program.

Existing law establishes the Student Aid Commission as the primary state agency for the administration of state-authorized student financial aid programs available to students attending all segments of postsecondary education. This bill, upon appropriation by the Legislature, would establish the California Public Interest Veterinary Debt Relief Program under the administration of the commission to award funds to California-licensed veterinarians, in relief of their educational loan debt, as defined, who enter into a contract with the commission to provide veterinary services in eligible premises settings, as defined, on a full-time basis, as specified. The bill, upon appropriation by the Legislature, would establish the California Public Interest Veterinary Debt Relief Program Fund as the initial depository of all moneys appropriated, donated, or otherwise received for the program and would require the commission to disburse moneys in the fund for purposes of the program, as provided. The bill would require the commission, on or before March 31, 2026, and each year thereafter, to submit a report to the Legislature that includes specified information on the program, including the number of applicants and program participants and the amount of funds expended for the program.