This bill would change the Higher Education Act of 1965 so that volunteer firefighters and volunteer emergency medical technicians (EMTs) can count their service as public service for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). It defines who counts as a qualified volunteer firefighter and a qualified volunteer EMT. The volunteer must serve for a legally recognized fire department, ambulance service, healthcare facility, or public safety organization. The volunteer also must not be employed full time by the same organization where they volunteer.
The Secretary of Education must set the minimum volunteer time that makes a volunteer count as working full time for PSLF. The Secretary must make sure the minimum time is at least the amount needed to be considered an active member of the local organization. The Secretary must also write rules on how to track and verify volunteer time. The Secretary will consult firefighter and emergency responder organizations when writing those rules.
If you are a volunteer firefighter or volunteer EMT who meets the bill's definitions and time requirements, your volunteer service could count toward the service requirement for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. The Secretary of Education will set the specific minimum hours and the verification process.
No publicly available information on the expected costs or budget effects is included in the bill text or provided metadata.
No publicly available information on proponents' statements or official arguments is included in the bill text or provided metadata.
No publicly available information on opponents' statements or official arguments is included in the bill text or provided metadata.