Bill > S01277

This bill creates a new student loan forgiveness program specifically for mental health nurses in New York state. To be eligible, nurses must have graduated from a New York state college, have outstanding student loan debt, be employed as a professional or practical nurse in specific nursing roles, apply within two years of graduation, and make two key commitments: first, to practice in a rural area as defined by the Health Resources and Services Administration, and second, to work in specific mental health settings such as state psychiatric hospitals, psychiatric units, addiction treatment centers, behavioral health clinics, or county mental health programs. The loan forgiveness awards will be granted competitively by the state corporation, with special consideration given to economically disadvantaged applicants. The program aims to alleviate student loan debt while simultaneously addressing mental health workforce shortages in rural areas of New York. Awards will be made based on available funding, and the program will take effect 90 days after becoming law.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1277