Bill that would create veterinary school at Utah State passes Senate

SALT LAKE CITY — Senators gave a preliminary OK to a bill that would create a veterinary school at Utah State University then tabled the proposal until they know if the state can afford it. 

The bill, which passed 22-2 on a preliminary vote, would create a joint veterinary program with Washington State University. Under the proposal, students would spend the first two years in Logan for the science-based portion of their education and the second two years in Washington for clinical work. 

HB57's sponsor, Sen. Dennis Stowell, R-Parowan, said Utah needs 25 veterinarians a year. "Presently, we are having to recruit from out of state to get enough vets," he said. 

But because of its $1.7 million fiscal note, the Senate voted to table the measure until the state revenue estimates available later this month. 

— Amanda Verzello