The proposed legislation establishes two loan forgiveness programs in Pennsylvania: the Mental Health and Intellectual Disability Staff Member Loan Forgiveness Program and the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor Loan Forgiveness Program. These programs aim to alleviate the burden of student loans for individuals pursuing careers in mental health, intellectual disabilities, and addiction counseling within the Commonwealth. Eligible applicants must be residents of Pennsylvania, have completed relevant educational qualifications, and be employed full-time in their respective fields. The programs will forgive a portion of the loan debt over a four-year period, contingent upon the recipient's continued employment in the field.

The bill outlines specific criteria for both programs, including the requirement for recipients to work for a minimum of four years in their respective roles. It also includes provisions for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency to oversee the administration of the programs, including the development of contracts with recipients and the establishment of compliance measures. Additionally, the legislation mandates an annual report detailing the operation and effectiveness of the programs, as well as the number of contracts executed and defaults reported. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.