NJ A2148

Establishes the Licensed Mental Health Professional Loan Redemption Program within the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to provide student loan payments to mental health counselors working full-time in New Jersey

Program participants can receive up to $1,000 per year for a maximum of four years to pay down eligible undergraduate or graduate student loan balances

Eligibility requires New Jersey residency, full-time employment providing mental health counseling services in the state, outstanding student loans not in default, and licensure through qualifying state boards (Medical Examiners, Psychological Examiners, Social Work Examiners, Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners, or related committees)

Participants must annually submit proof of residency, employment certification, and loan balance documentation before receiving each payment

Knowingly providing false information to receive loan redemption payments constitutes a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine