The proposed bill, designated as sHB6886, establishes a Nursing Student Loan Reimbursement Program to be administered by the Office of Higher Education (OHE) starting July 1, 2025. This program aims to provide financial assistance to licensed registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who are Connecticut residents with student loans. Eligible participants can receive up to $5,000 annually to assist with their loan payments, provided they complete at least 50 hours of unpaid volunteer work each year in designated distressed municipalities or areas with a health professional shortage. The bill outlines that grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and participants must submit annual reports detailing their loan status and volunteer hours.

To support the program's implementation, the bill mandates that OHE post application forms on its website by January 1, 2026, and allows the agency to allocate up to 2.5% of the appropriated funds for administrative expenses. Additionally, the Commissioner of Higher Education is required to report annually to the Higher Education and Employment Advancement and Appropriations committees starting January 1, 2027, on the program's operation and effectiveness, including recommendations for expansion. The bill also references the designation of "distressed municipalities" by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and is part of broader legislative efforts to support healthcare providers in the state.