This bill proposes an appropriation of $300,000 to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, specifically to the State Office of Rural Health, for the State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) aimed at qualified nursing professionals. The funds are dedicated, non-lapsing, and are to be used exclusively for nursing professionals licensed under the Nurse Practice Act. Additionally, the bill authorizes the governor to draw a warrant for the appropriated sum from any money in the treasury that is not otherwise allocated.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services submit a report by November 1, 2024, detailing a budget proposal for a student loan forgiveness program for nurses who are ineligible for the SLRP. The report is to be provided to various legislative and executive officials, including the president of the senate, the speaker of the house, relevant committee chairpersons, the senate clerk, the house clerk, the governor, and the state library. The act will become effective upon its passage. The fiscal note attached to the bill indicates that there are no new positions authorized to implement the bill and confirms that the $300,000 appropriation is sufficient to cover the estimated expenditures for the biennium ending June 30, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6:12