NH
New Hampshire Senate Bill SB500

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire Senate Bill SB500

Introduced
12/13/23  
Refer
12/13/23  

Caption

Establishing a primary care provider loan repayment program, and making an appropriation therefor.

Impact

The implementation of SB500 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws pertaining to healthcare and education funding. The bill will create a dedicated fund for this purpose, established to accept public and private contributions, grants, and gifts to ensure the sustainability of the loan assistance program. It also allocates $500,000 for the first biennium, and anticipates considerable annual expenditure increases peaking at approximately $23.2 million. This financial commitment reflects a strong push towards improving healthcare access and supporting burgeoning healthcare professionals in the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 500 establishes a new primary care provider loan repayment program in New Hampshire, aimed at alleviating the financial burdens faced by healthcare providers within this sector. The bill mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to administer the program which focuses on providing student loan repayment assistance specifically for primary care providers who do not participate in the existing state office of rural health loan repayment program. The aim is to enhance the accessibility and retention of primary care services across the state.

Contention

During discussions related to SB500, various points of contention emerged, particularly surrounding its funding and potential utilization. Proponents argue that the bill addresses a critical need within the healthcare system by incentivizing providers to remain in primary care roles, especially in underserved areas. However, opponents voiced concerns regarding the sustainability of funding, considering the significant amount allocated without a clear long-term strategy for financial support post-initial implementation. Questions were raised about the potential impact on state finances and whether the investment yields tangible improvements in healthcare access and quality.

Latest SB500 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH SB217

Establishing a rural and underserved area educator incentive program for higher education and making an appropriation therefor.

NH SB231

Establishing a historic housing tax credit and making appropriations for workforce housing and affordable housing.

NH SB153

Establishing a law enforcement officers, professional firefighters, and emergency medical technicians career development, recruitment, and retention program and making an appropriation therefor.

NH HB560

Establishing a contact person notification program to assist law enforcement personnel who have contact with a person with mental or physical disabilities and making an appropriation therefor.

NH HB639

Relative to the legalization and regulation of cannabis and making appropriations therefor.

NH HB489

Establishing a county tourism development fund administered by the department of business and economic affairs and making an appropriation therefor.

NH SB237

Relative to the child care scholarship program and making an appropriation therefor.

NH HB276

Establishing the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund.

NH SB1

Relative to the closing of the Sununu youth services center, making appropriations thereof, and establishing a commission to study community impacts of the secured youth development center.

NH HB541

Relative to school building aid grants and making an appropriation therefor.

Similar Bills

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2025)

MD SB360

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2025)

MD SB181

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2024)

MD HB200

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2024)

PA HB611

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB290

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2023)