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MD HB643

MD HB643
Higher Education - Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program - Eligibility


summary

Introduced
01/23/2025
In Committee
03/31/2025
Crossed Over
03/11/2025
Passed
04/04/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/06/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Expanding the eligibility for the Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program to include individuals who received a certain degree from an accredited veterinary school and provided veterinary services in the State for not less than 5 years or provided volunteer veterinary services at certain animal shelters for 3 years and to include individuals who provided veterinary technician services for not less than 5 years or provided volunteer veterinary technician services at certain animal shelters over a 3-year period.

AI Summary

This bill expands the eligibility for the Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program (a state program that helps individuals repay higher education loans) to include veterinary professionals and veterinary technicians. Specifically, the bill allows veterinarians and veterinary technicians to qualify for loan assistance if they either: (1) work as an employee in Maryland for at least 5 years, or (2) volunteer for at least 100 hours per year for 3 years at an animal shelter owned by a local government, an organization contracted to perform animal control services, or an organization that shelters animals and received Maryland Spay and Neuter Grants in the prior year. The bill adds these veterinary professionals to the existing list of eligible participants, which already includes public school teachers, mental health professionals, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. To be eligible, applicants must have received a degree from an accredited veterinary college or university, have an income below certain thresholds, and meet additional criteria established by the Office of Student Financial Assistance. The changes to the program will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing a pathway for veterinary professionals to receive financial support in repaying their higher education loans while serving their local communities.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Education

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 388 (on 05/06/2025)

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