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Bill

HF 143

A bill for an act providing for a rural veterinary practice innovation and revitalization fund and program to assist veterinary practices in certain counties, and making appropriations.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Devon Wood

HF 143 establishes a fund to support rural veterinary practices in Iowa, enhancing services for agricultural animals and improving care quality in underserved areas.

Introduced, referred to Appropriations.
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Bill Summary · HF 143

Summary of HF 143: Rural Veterinary Practice Innovation and Revitalization Fund

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HF 143
Introduced On: January 27, 2025
Current Status: Introduced, referred to Appropriations
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: County Government, Innovation, Rural Areas, Veterinary Medicine

HF 143 aims to establish a Rural Veterinary Practice Innovation and Revitalization Fund and a corresponding program designed to support veterinary practices in rural counties with populations of 30,000 or less. The bill seeks to enhance the quality and accessibility of veterinary services for agricultural animals in these areas.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of Fund and Program:

    • The bill creates a dedicated fund and program administered by the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (DALS) in consultation with the Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine.
  • Financial Assistance:

    • The fund will provide financial assistance to eligible veterinary practices to:
    • Expand and improve veterinary services.
    • Support the use of facilities and the acquisition of necessary equipment and tools.
    • Incorporate new methods and technologies, including computerized systems.
  • Eligibility Requirements:

    • To qualify for funding, veterinary practices must:
    • Be located in Iowa.
    • Have no history of disciplinary action by the Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine.
    • Employ individuals legally authorized to work in Iowa.
    • Not be currently in bankruptcy.

Impact

  • Targeted Beneficiaries:

    • The primary beneficiaries of this bill are veterinary practices in rural counties, which often face challenges in providing adequate services due to limited resources and population size.
  • Enhancement of Veterinary Services:

    • By facilitating financial support, the bill aims to improve the overall quality of veterinary care available to agricultural animals, which is crucial for the agricultural economy in rural areas.

Procedural Aspects

  • Next Steps:
    • Following its introduction, HF 143 has been referred to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. The timeline for subsequent legislative actions will depend on the committee's schedule and decisions.

This bill represents a proactive approach to addressing the needs of rural veterinary practices, ensuring that they can continue to serve their communities effectively while adapting to modern veterinary practices and technologies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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