Bill to Help Cops Pay Back Student Loans Signed Into Law by Gov. Greg Abbott

This story, originally published in May was updated on June 11 to reflect its passage into law after Gov. Greg Abbott signed the bill. AUSTIN -- Police departments across the state will be able to offer recruits student loan repayment assistance under a bill signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday.Senate Bill 16 by Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, would offer law enforcement officers a maximum of $20,000 in state aid to pay off student loans over five years. To be eligible for the assistance, an officer would need to have one year of experience in law enforcement.In late May, the House and the Senate sorted out some differences in their proposals and put their support behind one bill that was sent to Abbott. Rep. Lynn Stucky, R-Denton, who sponsored the bill in the House, said it would help police departments that are struggling to recruit officers, especially those who are college-educated. "This bill would help some of these graduates consider a life career as police officers," he said. "It's a great profession and we need to support our police officers."   Continue reading...