Relating to student loan repayment assistance for certain nurses employed by a long-term care facility.

HB 2544 creates a new program to help certain nurses repay student loans. It directly affects advanced practice registered nurses, registered nurses, and licensed vocational nurses who work full-time at licensed nursing facilities (under Health and Safety Code Chapter 242) or continuing care facilities (Chapter 246) for at least one year. The program provides up to $5,000 annually in loan repayment assistance for eligible nurses, covering student loans from accredited institutions, but excludes defaulted loans. Assistance is limited to five years total and is funded through board allocations, gifts, grants, and legislative appropriations.