AR HB1224

Establishes the State Crime Laboratory Student Loan Forgiveness Program to assist pathologists employed by the State Crime Laboratory with student loan repayment.

Program administered by the State Crime Laboratory and rules promulgated by the State Crime Laboratory Board.

Eligible pathologists must complete probationary employment, provide proof of unpaid student loans, and execute an employment contract requiring 24 months of work for each year the program makes a payment.

Pathologists who resign or are terminated for cause before contract term ends must reimburse the program for payments made.

Payment limits are $25,000 per 24-month period or $100,000 total per pathologist, with payments made directly to the student loan creditor.