This bill mandates that institutions of higher education and qualifying government employers in New Jersey provide specific information regarding the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program to students and employees who may be eligible. Institutions must inform students with outstanding federal student loan debt about the PSLF program during the semester before their expected graduation and again during their graduation semester. The information must include details on potential eligibility, the program's website, and the eligibility requirements as outlined in federal law. Similarly, qualifying government employers are required to provide information about the PSLF program to their employees during the initial explanation of benefits and at least once annually thereafter.
The information distributed to both students and employees can be provided in various formats, including electronically, by regular mail, or in person. The bill also stipulates that the executive director of the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority and the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development will create a model format for this information. The provisions of the bill are set to take effect at different times, with the requirements for institutions of higher education becoming applicable in the first full academic year following enactment, while the requirements for government employers will take effect 90 days after enactment.