HB 6901 Summary

• Establishes a pilot program by October 1, 2023, through the Office of Higher Education to reimburse student loan payments for nurses, teachers, and professionals in child care, mental health, or social services who attended Connecticut colleges or universities.

• Eligible participants must be Connecticut residents for at least 5 consecutive years after graduation, earn majority of income in-state, and have Connecticut adjusted gross income not exceeding $100,000 (single filers) or $125,000 (joint filers or heads of household).

• Provides reimbursement of up to $5,000 annually with maximum aggregate reimbursement of $20,000 over no more than 4 years of participation, contingent on 50 unpaid volunteer hours annually for approved nonprofit organizations or military service.

• Allows the Office of Higher Education to use up to 2.5% of appropriated funds for program administration and requires annual reporting to legislative committees on program operation and effectiveness.

• Adds student loan reimbursement payments as a tax-exempt deduction under Connecticut income tax law, effective January 1, 2024, for qualifying low-income residents.