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, thereby addressing the shortage of qualified professionals in these fields. Eligible applicants must be residents of Pennsylvania, have completed relevant educational programs, 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 eligibility, including the requirement for recipients to work in their respective fields for a minimum of four years. It also includes provisions for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency to administer the programs, establish compliance measures, and report annually on the program's effectiveness. Additionally, the legislation stipulates that loan forgiveness awards will not be granted for loans in default at the time of application and that recipients cannot concurrently receive benefits from other Commonwealth loan forgiveness programs. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.