Mississippi Senate Bill SB2418

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Graduate Nursing Loan Repayment Program; establish.

Impact

The primary impact of SB2418 on state law is the creation of a structured incentive program designed to address the ongoing shortage of nursing educators in Mississippi. By providing financial relief to individuals entering the nursing education field, the bill aims to enhance the recruitment and retention of qualified nursing faculty. Participants can receive up to $12,000 over multiple years, directly impacting their ability to manage student debt which is a significant barrier for many in the educational sector.

Summary

Senate Bill 2418 establishes the Graduate Nursing Loan Repayment Program aimed at supporting new full-time nursing educators in Mississippi. The program, administered by the State Financial Aid Board, provides financial awards to eligible nurse educators to help repay their educational loans. To qualify for the program, applicants must be legal residents of Mississippi, hold a current nursing license, and have outstanding qualifying educational loans, among other requirements. Awards are contingent upon the availability of funds.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB2418 include its limited eligibility criteria and the challenge of funding. Critics may argue that excluding those already involved in other forgivable loan programs or in default on loans could hinder the program's effectiveness. Additionally, as funding is limited and awards are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, concerns could arise regarding fairness and access, especially for applicants from underrepresented backgrounds. The program is only expected to serve 25 new applicants each year, potentially limiting its overall impact.