Bill > A00376

This bill establishes a loan forgiveness program specifically for Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselors (CASACs) in New York State. To be eligible, a CASAC must have been a New York resident for at least one year and be employed in a state-licensed facility. The program will provide annual loan forgiveness awards for up to three years, with the potential to receive an amount equivalent to the recipient's total student loan debt, subject to fund availability. A CASAC is defined as a substance abuse counselor credentialed according to New York's specific regulatory standards (Title 14 Section 853.5). The primary goal of the program is to increase the number of professionals serving in the substance abuse counseling field by offering financial relief to those working in state-licensed facilities. The program will be administered by a corporation authorized to create rules and regulations, and is set to take effect on April 1, 2027.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A376