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HB659 • 2025

Health; rural assistance; expand medical education funding and the service cancelable loan program to include optometrists

Health; rural assistance; expand medical education funding and the service cancelable loan program to include optometrists

Education Healthcare
Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Greene, Gerald
Last action
2026-05-05
Official status
House Date Signed by Governor
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The provided bill summary confirms the expansion of funding but does not specify if optometrists receive identical benefits or amounts as other medical professionals, only that they are included in the programs.

Expanding Rural Medical Loan Programs to Include Optometrists

This law changes Georgia rules so that optometrists can get medical education funding and join the service cancelable loan program.

What This Bill Does

  • Amends state laws about medical professionals for rural assistance.
  • Expands medical education funding to include optometrists.
  • Includes optometrists in the service cancelable loan program.
  • Repeals conflicting laws.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Optometrists
  • State agencies managing rural health programs

Limits and Unknowns

  • The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Bill History

  1. 2026-05-05 Georgia General Assembly

    House Date Signed by Governor

Official Summary Text

Health; rural assistance; expand medical education funding and the service cancelable loan program to include optometrists