Bill > HB06886

This bill establishes a nursing student loan reimbursement program administered by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, designed to help registered and licensed practical nurses reduce their student loan debt by providing financial incentives for volunteering in underserved areas. To be eligible, nurses must be state residents with existing student loans who volunteer at least 50 unpaid hours annually with a nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)) or municipal government located in a distressed municipality or an area designated by federal authorities as having healthcare professional shortages. Participants can receive up to $5,000 annually in student loan reimbursements after submitting documentation of their loan balance, payments made, and verified volunteer hours. The program will begin July 1, 2025, with the Office of Higher Education allowed to use up to 2.5% of program funds for administrative costs. The Commissioner of Higher Education must report annually on the program's effectiveness and potential expansion, with the first report due by January 1, 2027. The goal is to incentivize nurses to provide healthcare services in areas with critical medical workforce needs while helping them manage educational debt.

Budget and Finance, Education

Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06886&which_year=2025