Bill Status of SB3579  103rd General Assembly


Short Description:  OPTOMETRIST LOAN REPAYMENT ACT

Senate Sponsors
Sen. Mattie Hunter

Last Action
DateChamber Action
  5/3/2024SenateRule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments

Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance
New Act


Synopsis As Introduced
Creates the Loan Repayment Assistance for Optometrists Act. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall establish an educational loan repayment assistance program for optometrists who practice in this State to increase the total number of optometrists in this State. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2025, the Department shall, each year, consider applications for assistance under the program; sets forth other provisions concerning applications for assistance. Provides that an applicant is eligible for assistance if, among other qualifications, the applicant is practicing full time in this State as an optometrist, is currently repaying educational loans, and agrees to continue full time practice in this State for at least 3 years. Provides that for each year that a qualified applicant practices full time in this State as an optometrist, the Department shall award a grant to that person in an amount equal to the amount in educational loans that the person must repay that year; specifies other grant requirements. Sets forth provisions concerning administration, rulemaking, appropriations, and a penalty for the failure to fulfill the work obligation. Effective January 1, 2025.

Actions 
DateChamber Action
  2/9/2024SenateFiled with Secretary by Sen. Mattie Hunter
  2/9/2024SenateFirst Reading
  2/9/2024SenateReferred to Assignments
  2/20/2024SenateAssigned to Appropriations - Health and Human Services
  3/15/2024SenateRule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As April 5, 2024
  4/5/2024SenateRule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As May 3, 2024
  5/3/2024SenateRule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments