Bill > HB358

This bill establishes the Coal County Paramedic Scholarship Program, administered by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA), to address the need for paramedics in coal-producing counties. The program will provide scholarships to eligible Kentucky residents who are permanent residents of a coal-producing county and are enrolled in an approved paramedic program at an accredited postsecondary institution. In exchange for the scholarship, which can cover up to 100% of in-state tuition and fees, recipients must agree to serve as a licensed paramedic in a coal-producing county for four years after completing their program. Failure to fulfill this service obligation will require repayment of the scholarship amount with interest, and non-compliance could lead to the revocation of a paramedic license. The program will be funded through a dedicated trust and agency account in the State Treasury, which will receive money from coal severance tax receipts, state appropriations, gifts, grants, and federal funds, with a portion of coal severance tax revenues earmarked for the fund starting July 1, 2027.

Education

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/hb358.html