Virginia House Bill HB1310

Virginia 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/26
• Refer: 1/16/26

Caption

Federal changes to graduate & prof. student loan prog. on in-state students; SCHEV to study impact.

Impact

The evaluation will consider critical workforce sectors heavily reliant on graduate and professional education, such as nursing, education, and engineering. This focus underscores a commitment to maintaining a robust workforce pipeline in Virginia amid shifting federal policies. By allocating resources to study these changes, the legislature aims to better equip itself and educational institutions to support students as they navigate potential financial challenges introduced by federal loan adjustments.

Summary

House Bill 1310, introduced in Virginia, targets recent federal changes affecting graduate and professional student loan programs and their impact on in-state students. The bill mandates the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to conduct a comprehensive evaluation that includes identifying programs affected by federal loan modifications, understanding enrollment demographics, and estimating financial implications for students. The Council is charged with assessing both cost implications and anticipated federal borrowing gaps within these changes.

Contention

An essential aspect of this initiative is the establishment of an advisory group made up of various stakeholders, ensuring a diverse representation of views and expertise in the evaluation process. This group is expected to include educational institutions, health professionals, and students, fostering an inclusive dialogue. The outcomes of this evaluation will culminate in a report recommending state-level support options to address identified financial gaps, which may include measures like targeted loan programs and partnerships with employers.