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, addressing the growing need for 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 for a minimum of four years in their respective roles. 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 specifies that loan forgiveness amounts will not exceed $25,000 over the four years, with a maximum of $6,250 forgiven in any given year. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.