Establishes loan redemption program for licensed mental health professionals.

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2148 establishes a loan redemption program to help licensed mental health professionals reduce student loan debt. The program, administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, provides up to $1,000 annually toward eligible student loan balances for professionals working full-time in mental health counseling within the state. To qualify, applicants must be NJ residents, employed full-time in mental health services, have outstanding student loans without default, and meet additional criteria set by the authority. Participants may receive payments for up to four years, with annual proof of residency and employment required to receive each payment. The bill also penalizes false claims with a fourth-degree crime charge.