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H 1438

An Act increasing awareness of public student loan forgiveness

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jamie Eldridge and 4 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill requires increased public outreach about federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to help eligible state workers access student debt relief.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 1438

Legislative bill overview

H 1438 directs Massachusetts to increase public awareness and education about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which allows borrowers employed in qualifying public service positions to have their federal student loans forgiven after 10 years of payments. The bill likely requires state agencies, educational institutions, or loan servicers to conduct outreach campaigns and provide clear information to eligible borrowers about program requirements and application processes.

Why is this important

Many public service workers—teachers, social workers, healthcare providers, and government employees—remain unaware of PSLF eligibility or struggle with complex application procedures, resulting in missed forgiveness opportunities. Increased awareness could help Massachusetts residents reduce substantial debt burdens, freeing up financial resources for local economies while improving retention of essential public service workers in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Program complexity and borrower confusion: PSLF has historically had high rejection rates due to strict eligibility requirements and loan type restrictions; awareness campaigns must accurately convey these limitations to avoid raising false expectations
  • Funding and responsibility allocation: The bill's cost depends on what outreach methods are required and which state agencies must implement them; this could create budget pressures or jurisdictional disputes
  • Federal program reliance: PSLF is federally administered and subject to policy changes; Massachusetts awareness efforts may have limited impact if federal rules tighten or if servicer practices create barriers to forgiveness

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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