Provides loan forgiveness to credentialed alcoholism and substance abuse counselors (CASACs) who reside in the state and work in a facility licensed by the state.

New York Assembly Bill A00376 aims to provide student loan forgiveness to Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselors (CASACs) who live in New York State and work in state-licensed facilities. The bill proposes that eligible CASACs can receive annual loan forgiveness awards for up to three years, potentially covering their entire student loan debt. To qualify, individuals must have been New York residents for at least one year and be employed as CASACs in state-licensed facilities. The program's implementation is contingent upon the availability of funds, and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation is authorized to establish rules and regulations for its administration. The bill was introduced on January 8, 2025, and referred to the Higher Education Committee but did not progress further.

Positive media analysis is being generated.

Although direct media critiques of Bill A00376 are not found, potential concerns with such programs often include the financial burden on the state budget and the sustainability of funding. Critics might argue that the bill's effectiveness depends on consistent funding and that it may not fully address other systemic issues contributing to workforce shortages in substance abuse counseling.