AN ACT CONCERNING FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENTS IN PARAMEDIC CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Saud Anwar and 6 co-sponsors

Creates state financial aid (grants/loans) for CT paramedic certificate students, easing costs and expanding EMS workforce; administered by CHESLA and Office of Workforce Strategy.

SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

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Summary — HB 7131 (Public Act 25-158)

Title: AN ACT CONCERNING FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENTS IN PARAMEDIC CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Status: Signed by Governor (Public Act 25-158)

Note: The full bill text was not provided. The summary below is based on the bill title, listed subjects, and the legislative history. For precise statutory changes, funding amounts, eligibility rules, and administrative details, consult the enacted Public Act 25-158.

Purpose

To create or expand state-supported financial aid specifically for students enrolled in paramedic certificate (and related emergency medical services) training programs. The intent is to reduce financial barriers to entry for those seeking paramedic certification to support workforce development in emergency medical services.

Key provisions (based on bill title and subjects)

Establishes a financial aid program targeted to students in paramedic certificate programs. The aid could take the form of grants, scholarships, or loan programs administered or coordinated by state entities.

Involves the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) and the Office of Workforce Strategy (subjects listed), suggesting these offices may have roles in administering, funding, or coordinating the program.

May include provisions related to certification, occupational training, and electronic submission/recordkeeping (subjects include certificates and certification; occupational training; electronic government information).

Likely contains eligibility criteria, application processes, and reporting or recordkeeping requirements for recipients and administering agencies (not specified in the available summary).

Could include provisions linking aid to workforce objectives (e.g., service commitments, employment in-state) given the Workforce Strategy subject.

Who is affected

Primary: Students enrolled in paramedic certificate programs at Connecticut colleges, community colleges, and approved training providers.

Secondary: Educational institutions and training providers offering paramedic certification; state agencies charged with administering student aid (CHESLA, Office of Workforce Strategy); emergency medical services employers and local health systems that rely on paramedic workforce supply.

Fiscal impact: State budget/appropriations and any authority (CHESLA) administering financing instruments—exact budgetary effects require OFA analysis.

Legislative timeline / enactment

Introduced: February 28, 2025 (referred to the Joint Committee on Higher Education and Employment Advancement).

Public hearing: March 7, 2025.

Favorably reported / processed through legislative offices March–April 2025.

House and Senate passage with amendments: late May–early June 2025.

Enacted as Public Act 25-158; transmitted to Secretary of the State June 27, 2025; signed by the Governor June 30, 2025.

Next steps / implementation

Agencies named in the act (likely CHESLA and the Office of Workforce Strategy) will need to issue implementing guidance, establish application and eligibility rules, and coordinate any required rulemaking or appropriation actions.

For full implementation details (eligibility, award amounts, funding source, service requirements), consult the enacted Public Act 25-158 and any implementing regulations or agency guidance.