Texas Senate Bill SB146

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to student loan repayment assistance for certain nurses employed by a long-term care facility.

Impact

The proposed legislation seeks to encourage nurses to remain in the essential field of long-term care by providing up to $5,000 per year for a maximum of five years, depending on the program allocations and available state funds. Although the board will endeavor to meet the demand, the total financial assistance available annually is capped at $6 million. This could significantly help mitigate the financial strain of nursing education for those working in underfunded areas like long-term care, thus addressing part of the healthcare workforce crisis currently faced by the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 146 aims to address the rising challenges of student loan debt among nurses employed in long-term care facilities by establishing a loan repayment assistance program. This program, managed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, will provide financial support to nurses who have been employed full-time in qualifying facilities for at least one year. It offers repayment assistance for eligible loans, which may cover both state and out-of-state educational institutions, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on healthcare professionals in a sector that often struggles to retain qualified staff due to the costs of education.

Contention

A point of contention concerning SB146 is the dependency on state appropriations for its implementation. The bill stipulates that assistance is contingent upon specific funding being allocated by the legislature, which raises questions about the reliability and sustainability of the program. Critics may highlight that without dedicated funding, the program's effectiveness could be compromised, and many eligible nurses might miss out on needed financial support. Additionally, concerns about the limitations placed on the types of loans that can be forgiven and the potential burden on state resources could foster debate as the bill moves through the legislative process.