First responders: loan forgiveness program.

Existing law establishes the Student Aid Commission as the primary state agency for the administration of state-authorized student financial aid programs available to students attending all segments of postsecondary education. This bill would require the commission to, upon appropriation by the Legislature, establish an educational loan repayment program for first responders serving in disadvantaged communities, as specified. The bill would require applicants for the program to be active first responders within the state who have served for a minimum of 5 years within a disadvantaged community. The bill would require an applicant to provide proof of full-time employment and for the applicant's supervisor, manager, or business owner to attest, under penalty of perjury, that the applicant is in good standing with the respective agency for which they serve. By expanding the crime of perjury, this bill would create a state-mandated local program. The bill would create the Disadvantaged Communities Account for First Responders Fund, and authorize the commission to accept donations for the purposes of the program and deposit them in the fund. The bill would require the commission to monitor the program for fraud and to annually report to the Legislature on the program, as specified. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.