87(R) SB 146 - Introduced version - Bill Text

	By:  Powell	S.B.  No.  146

	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to student loan repayment assistance for certain nurses
	employed by a long-term care facility.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION  1.    Chapter 61, Education Code, is amended by adding
	Subchapter N to read as follows:
	SUBCHAPTER N. REPAYMENT OF EDUCATION LOANS FOR CERTAIN NURSES
	Sec.  61.731.    LOAN REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE AUTHORIZED. The
	board shall provide, in accordance with this subchapter and board
	rules, assistance in the repayment of eligible student loans for
	eligible nurses who apply and qualify for the assistance.
	Sec.  61.732.    ELIGIBILITY. To be eligible to receive loan
	repayment assistance under this subchapter, a nurse must:
	(1)    apply to the board in a manner prescribed by the
	board;
	(2)    be an advanced practice registered nurse,
	registered nurse, or licensed vocational nurse; and
	(3)    at the time of application for repayment
	assistance have been employed full-time for at least one year by,
	and currently be employed full-time by:
	(A)    a convalescent or nursing facility, as
	defined by Chapter 242, Health and Safety Code; or
	(B)    a continuing care facility, as defined by
	Chapter 246, Health and Safety Code.
	Sec.  61.733.    LIMITATIONS. A nurse may receive loan
	repayment assistance under this subchapter for not more than five
	years.
	Sec.  61.734.    ELIGIBLE LOANS. (a) The board may provide
	loan repayment assistance under this subchapter for the repayment
	of any student loan for education at an institution of higher
	education, a private or independent institution of higher
	education, or a public or private out-of-state institution of
	higher education accredited by a recognized accrediting agency,
	including loans for undergraduate education, received by an
	eligible person through any lender.
	(b)    The board may not provide repayment assistance for a
	student loan that is in default at the time of the person's
	application.
	(c)    In each state fiscal biennium, the board shall attempt
	to allocate all funds appropriated to the board for the purpose of
	providing loan repayment assistance under this subchapter.
	Sec.  61.735.    REPAYMENT. (a) The board shall deliver any
	repayment under this subchapter in a lump sum payable:
	(1)    to both the lender or other holder of the loan and
	the nurse; or
	(2)    directly to the lender or other holder of the loan
	on the nurse's behalf.
	(b)    A repayment under this subchapter may be applied to any
	amount due in connection with the loan.
	Sec.  61.736.    AMOUNT OF REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE. (a) A nurse
	may receive loan repayment assistance under this subchapter in an
	amount determined by the board, not to exceed $5,000 for each year
	the nurse establishes eligibility for the assistance.
	(b)    The total amount of loan repayment assistance provided
	under this subchapter may not exceed the sum of:
	(1)    the total amount of gifts and grants accepted by
	the board for the repayment assistance;
	(2)    legislative appropriations for the repayment
	assistance; and
	(3)    other funds available to the board for the
	repayment assistance.
	(c)    The board may adjust in an equitable manner the
	distribution amounts that nurses would otherwise receive under
	Subsection (a) for a year as necessary to comply with Subsection
	(b).
	(d)    The total amount of loan repayment assistance awarded
	under this section may not exceed $6 million in a state fiscal
	biennium.
	Sec.  61.737.    RULES; ADMINISTRATION. (a) The board shall
	adopt rules necessary to administer this subchapter.
	(b)    The board shall distribute to each institution of higher
	education or private or independent institution