S.B. No. 646 amends the Education Code to expand the definition of "mental health professional" to include additional licensed professionals, specifically adding licensed master social workers, licensed professional counselor associates, licensed marriage and family therapist associates, and certified school counselors. The bill also modifies eligibility criteria for loan repayment assistance, allowing mental health professionals to qualify by providing services to students enrolled in public schools, in addition to existing criteria related to state hospitals and community-based services.

Furthermore, the bill increases the maximum repayment assistance amounts for various mental health professionals, with licensed physicians eligible for up to $180,000, psychologists and certain social workers up to $100,000, and other professionals varying amounts based on their qualifications. It introduces additional financial incentives for professionals fluent in a language of need, those practicing in smaller counties, and those serving for extended periods. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and apply only to new applications submitted after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 61.601, Education Code 61.604, Education Code 61.607, Education Code 61.608 (Education Code 61)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 61.601, Education Code 61.604, Education Code 61.607, Education Code 61.608 (Education Code 61)
Engrossed: Education Code 61.601, Education Code 61.604, Education Code 61.607, Education Code 61.608 (Education Code 61)
House Committee Report: Education Code 61.601, Education Code 61.604, Education Code 61.607, Education Code 61.608 (Education Code 61)
Enrolled: Education Code 61.601, Education Code 61.604, Education Code 61.607, Education Code 61.608 (Education Code 61)