summary
Introduced
02/07/2024
02/07/2024
In Committee
05/31/2024
05/31/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/08/2025
01/08/2025
Introduced Session
103rd General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Loan Repayment Assistance for Optometrists Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall establish an educational loan repayment assistance program for optometrists who practice in this State to increase the total number of optometrists in this State. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2025, the Department shall, each year, consider applications for assistance under the program; sets forth other provisions concerning applications for assistance. Provides that an applicant is eligible for assistance if, among other qualifications, the applicant is practicing full time in this State as an optometrist, is currently repaying educational loans, and agrees to continue full time practice in this State for at least 3 years. Provides that for each year that a qualified applicant practices full time in this State as an optometrist, the Department shall award a grant to that person in an amount equal to the amount in educational loans that the person must repay that year; specifies other grant requirements. Sets forth provisions concerning administration, rulemaking, appropriations, and a penalty for the failure to fulfill the work obligation. Effective January 1, 2025.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Loan Repayment Assistance for Optometrists Act in the state of Illinois. The bill creates a program within the Department of Public Health to provide educational loan repayment assistance grants to optometrists who practice full-time in the state for at least 3 years. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, Illinois residents, currently repaying educational loans, and practicing full-time as licensed optometrists in Illinois. The Department will award grants equal to the amount of educational loans the optometrist must repay each year, up to a maximum of $25,000 per recipient. Optometrists who fail to fulfill the 3-year work obligation must repay the Department the amount they received, plus interest.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Session Sine Die (on 01/07/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=4940&GAID=17&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=112&GA=103 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/103/HB/10300HB4940.htm |
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