OH HB618

Director of Administrative Services shall create and distribute informational materials about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program to public service organizations within 30 days of the bill's effective date.

Public service organizations must post fact sheets in conspicuous locations and provide informational materials to employees within two weeks of their start date, along with a link to the federal program's official website.

Establishes the Navigator Pilot Program (effective through June 30, 2023) to assist public employees in applying for and navigating the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program through contracted outside organizations or individuals with student debt forgiveness experience.

Navigator Pilot Program will operate in collaboration with a community college, state university, and public agency/employer selected by the Director of Administrative Services, providing employment certification form completion advice and information on other loan forgiveness programs.

Director of Administrative Services must submit a report to the General Assembly and Superintendent of Public Instruction by October 31, 2023, on program implementation and outcomes to determine if it should become permanent.

Appropriates $200,000 from the General Revenue Fund for fiscal year 2023 to contract with outside organizations or individuals for the Navigator Pilot Program.