Committee Passes Bill to Support Higher Education, Increase Access to Veterinary Care

DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed a bipartisan bill to support higher education and address Colorado’s veterinary shortage. HB25-1131, sponsored by Representative Andrew Boesenecker, passed by a unanimous vote.

“Plain and simple, Colorado needs more veterinarians, and this bill expands student access to CSU’s world-class College of Veterinary Medicine,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “By eliminating the student enrollment cap at CSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, more students can jumpstart their future careers in veterinary care. This bill helps our state to address the shortage of veterinary care, especially in rural and underserved communities.” 

HB25-1131, also sponsored by Representative Dusty Johnson, R-Fort Morgan, would

increase access to veterinary care, especially in rural and underserved communities. Specifically, this bill would eliminate the cap on the number of veterinary students admitted at Colorado State University (CSU). 

CSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is ranked as the #2 veterinary school in the nation and works in partnership with CSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. This bill would make it easier for students to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and help tackle Colorado’s rising veterinary care shortage.