NJ A3796

Creates the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Loan Redemption Program within the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, providing up to $1,000 annually in loan redemption payments for up to four years to licensed mental health professionals serving children and adolescents full-time.

Establishes a gross income tax credit of up to $1,000 per taxable year for licensed mental health professionals employed full-time providing mental health counseling to children and adolescents.

Requires program participants to be New Jersey residents with outstanding student loan balances who are not in default, and to submit annual proof of residency, employment certification, and loan balance documentation.

Covers mental health professionals licensed by various regulatory boards including Medical Examiners, Psychological Examiners, Social Work Examiners, Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners, and counselor committees.

Makes furnishing false information to receive loan redemption payments a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment and/or fines up to $10,000.