SB 1472 Summary

• Amends 74 O.S. 2011, Section 1733 to authorize state agencies to make direct payments up to $5,000 annually toward qualified education loan expenses for eligible employees, with a cumulative limit of $15,000 per employee.

• Creates separate provisions for the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, allowing it to make direct loan repayment payments up to $10,000 annually (cumulative limit of $25,000 per employee).

• Establishes eligibility requirements for DMHSAS employees: commitment to a mutually agreed upon term of employment, current licensure as a mental health professional under 43A O.S. Section 1-103, and no previous receipt of repayment under other state programs.

• Restricts covered education loans to those incurred before employment with the agency or those directly related to the employee's current job obtained during employment.

• Effective date: November 1, 2014.