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Committee backs House Bill 69 to improve public service loan forgiveness enrollment processes
Summary
The Senate Finance Committee recommended a do pass for House Bill 69 (7-0), a bill aiming to address barriers in the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, including outreach and adjunct/contingent faculty certification.
The Senate Finance Committee recommended a do pass (7-0) for House Bill 69, which is intended to improve access to the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program for public employees by addressing lack of awareness and certification issues for adjunct and contingent faculty.
Sponsor testimony said the bill is nearly identical to prior legislation (House Bill 403 from 2023) and would focus chiefly on outreach and administrative fixes to help public servants who make payments on federal student loans to qualify for forgiveness. Representative Garrett, presenting the bill, described it as a technical and outreach-focused measure to improve enrollment and certification for PSLF.
Committee members and supporters described PSLF as life-changing for public employees who qualify. Senator Trujillo said she had personal experience with PSLF benefits and urged support. The committee moved the bill on a motion by Senator Padilla, seconded by Senator Gonzales; roll call recorded seven affirmative votes and zero negatives.
The committee did not record a fiscal controversy during the discussion; sponsors indicated bipartisan support and prior passage in the House on a similar measure. The bill will proceed with the committee’s do-pass recommendation.
