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Bill > H7457
RI H7457
RI H7457Creates the Rhode Island Student Loan repayment program which would allow eligible individuals who have unpaid student loans, provided said individuals meet specified criteria.
summary
Introduced
01/30/2026
01/30/2026
In Committee
01/30/2026
01/30/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This act would create the Rhode Island Student Loan repayment program which would allow eligible individuals who have unpaid student loans to receive relief if the individual is employed as a licensed clinical social worker or social caseworker or child protective investigator in any public elementary or secondary school in this state, has been full-time in this state in such employment for two (2) years and is enrolled in the Federal Student Aid, Saving on a Valuable Education program. The act would also require the general assembly to appropriate the sum of ten million dollars ($10,000,000) to fund this program. This act would take effect upon passage.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Rhode Island Student Loan Repayment Program, administered by the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA), to help eligible individuals repay their student loan debt. To qualify, individuals must be employed full-time for at least two consecutive years as a licensed clinical social worker, social caseworker, or child protective investigator in a public elementary or secondary school in Rhode Island, and be enrolled in the federal Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) program. The program will provide payments directly to the individual's employer to cover a portion of their student loan debt, with a monthly limit of $500, for up to two years. The bill also mandates an appropriation of $10 million to fund the program, with $2 million disbursed annually for five years, after which the program will cease unless extended. Preference may be given to those working in underserved communities, and provisions are made for leaves of absence due to serious illness, pregnancy, or military service.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (7)
Mary Ann Shallcross-Smith (D)*,
Grace Diaz (D),
Deb Fellela (D),
Jenni Azanero Furtado (D),
Rebecca Kislak (D),
Pat Serpa (D),
Teresa Tanzi (D),
Last Action
Introduced, referred to House Finance (on 01/30/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://status.rilegislature.gov/ |
| BillText | https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText26/HouseText26/H7457.pdf |
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