VETERINARY LOAN REPAYMENT PRG House SponsorsRep. David Reis-Patrick J Verschoore-William B. Black-Robert W. Pritchard-Patricia R. Bellock, JoAnn D. Osmond and Ron Stephens Senate Sponsors(Sen. Michael W. Frerichs-John O. Jones, Michael Bond-Dan Cronin, Deanna Demuzio, Don Harmon-Pamela J. Althoff and Christine Radogno-M. Maggie Crotty) 1/13/2009HouseSession Sine Die New Act30 ILCS 105/5.708 new Creates the Veterinary Loan Repayment Program Act. Requires the Department of Agriculture to establish the Veterinary Loan Repayment Program to increase the number of veterinarians practicing in designated veterinary resource shortage areas in the State by providing educational loan repayment assistance grants to veterinarians. Sets forth eligibility requirements under the Program and the service obligation required for assistance under the Program. Provides for the assessment of damages by the Department upon the failure of a recipient to fulfill the terms of the service obligation. Requires the Department to submit an annual report. Creates the Veterinary Loan Repayment Program Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Amends the State Finance Act to establish the Fund. Effective July 1, 2008.House Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to:30 ILCS 105/5.708 newDeletes everything after the enacting clause. Creates the Veterinary Student Loan Repayment Program Act. Establishes the Veterinary Student Loan Repayment Program to be administered through the University of Illinois. Requires a loan recipient under the Program to enter into a program agreement under which he or she agrees to practice in (i) veterinary practice that is at least 51% devoted to large animal medicine that enhances agricultural animal health and productivity or (ii) regulatory veterinary medicine that supports public health and safety, livestock biosecurity, or food animal disease diagnosis for at least one year for each year in which he or she received a loan. Sets forth penalties for failure to satisfy a program agreement. Provides that neither the Governor or University nor any agency or agency head under the jurisdiction of the Governor has any rulemaking authority under the Act, but that the Governor or University may suggest rules by filing them with the General Assembly and requesting that the General Assembly authorize such rulemaking by law, enact the suggested rules into law, or take other appropriate action in the General Assembly's discretion. Provides that the University may not enter into any program agreement after July 1, 2018. Effective immediately. 2/7/2008HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. David Reis 2/8/2008HouseFirst Reading 2/8/2008HouseReferred to Rules Committee 2/20/2008HouseAssigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee 3/4/2008HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Patrick J Verschoore 3/4/2008HouseHouse Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Agriculture & Conservation Committee 3/4/2008HouseHouse Amendment No. 1 Adopted in Agriculture & Conservation Committee; by Voice Vote 3/4/2008HouseDo Pass as Amended / Short Debate Agriculture & Conservation Committee; 010-000-000 3/5/2008HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate 3/10/2008HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. William B. Black 3/13/2008HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. JoAnn D. Osmond 4/1/2008HouseSecond Reading - Short Debate 4/1/2008HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate 4/3/2008HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Robert W. Pritchard 4/4/2008HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Ron Stephens 4/8/2008HouseThird Reading - Short Debate - Passed 109-000-001 4/8/2008HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Patricia R. Bellock 4/9/2008SenateArrive in Senate 4/9/2008SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of First Reading April 10, 2008 4/9/2008SenateChief Senate Sponsor Sen. Michael W. Frerichs 4/9/2008SenateAdded as Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. John O. Jones 4/9/2008SenateAdded as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Michael Bond 4/9/2008SenateAdded as Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Dan Cronin 4/10/2008SenateAdded as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Deanna Demuzio 4/10/2008SenateFirst Reading 4/10/2008SenateReferred to Rules 4/15/2008SenateAdded as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Don Harmon 4/16/2008SenateAdded as Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Pamela J. Althoff 4/30/2008SenateAdded as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Christine Radogno 5/15/2008SenateRule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As May 22, 2008; Substantive House Bills Out of Committee 5/20/2008SenateAdded as Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. M. Maggie Crotty 1/13/2009HouseSession Sine Die