Bill > HB06074

This bill modifies Connecticut's student loan reimbursement program by expanding the types of volunteer service that qualify for participation and adding new eligibility criteria. Specifically, participants can now volunteer for nonprofit organizations (specifically those with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status), municipal governments, religious organizations, the armed forces, or serve as firefighters or emergency medical personnel to meet the volunteer hour requirement. The program allows eligible state residents who graduated from in-state higher education institutions to receive up to $5,000 annually in student loan reimbursement, with a total maximum benefit of $20,000 over four years. Eligibility is based on income thresholds, with different limits for different tax filing statuses, and requires participants to complete at least 50 volunteer hours per year. The bill also introduces flexibility in volunteer hour documentation, including allowing hours from student work programs, board service, and military service. Additionally, the bill establishes a process for hardship waivers and requires the Office of Higher Education to report on the program's effectiveness biennially. The program is set to begin on July 1, 2025, and funds appropriated for the program will be carried forward to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

Budget and Finance, Education

Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06074&which_year=2025