Substitute House Bill No. 7131, also known as Public Act No. 25-158, establishes new provisions for financial aid aimed at students enrolled in paramedic certificate programs. Effective July 1, 2025, the Office of Workforce Strategy is tasked with identifying and disseminating information about available financial aid sources for these programs. This includes posting a list of financial aid options on their website and distributing it to the respective paramedic programs. Additionally, the Chief Workforce Officer will evaluate these programs to determine if they qualify as high-value certificate programs, which would allow eligible students to receive authority loans.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority to create a "High-Value Certificate Loan Program," contingent on available funding. This program will provide authority loans to students in high-value certificate programs, including those in paramedic certificate programs that have been approved by the Commissioner of Public Health and deemed high-value by the Chief Workforce Officer. The legislation aims to enhance financial support for students pursuing careers in emergency medical services.