Compare Bills

Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget2026-05-04

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill establishes the Nursing Fellows Program at Winston-Salem State University to provide forgivable loans to nursing students pursuing Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degrees in nursing. The program aims to recruit and support future nurses and nursing instructors in North Carolina, with loans forgiven through years of service in the state. The bill also appropriates $1.4 million for the program and $650,000 for nursing curriculum support services.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this program addresses North Carolina's nursing shortage by incentivizing graduates to work as nurses and instructors within the state through loan forgiveness.
• •The program targets recruitment in areas with the greatest nursing needs and provides financial assistance to remove barriers for nursing students.
• •Proponents contend the investment in nursing education and support services will improve workforce stability, graduation rates, and retention of qualified nursing professionals.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may question whether $1.4 million in recurring state funds is the most efficient use of taxpayer resources compared to other workforce development approaches or budget priorities.
• •Some may be concerned that the loan forgiveness is limited to WSSU graduates and only those serving in North Carolina, potentially creating geographic restrictions.
• •Critics might also note the program's success depends on graduates actually remaining in nursing roles for the required service periods to achieve full loan forgiveness.