(Feb. 9, 2026) – Today, the House Higher Education Budget Committee held a hearing on House Bill 2374, which establishes the Specialty Practice Student Loan Program and the Specialty Practice Student Loan Repayment Fund. The legislation authorizes the transfer of funds from the OB-GYN and Psychiatry Medical Student Loan Repayment Funds to the Specialty Practice Student Loan Repayment Fund and abolishes those funds.

The committee heard from the following proponent conferees, Kelly Whitten of the University of Kansas and Rachelle Colombo of the Kansas Medical Society.

Committee members raised concerns about the definition of a rural district and discussed whether those definitions should be expanded or restricted. They also asked whether this program is likely to result in specialists who aren't as needed. Conferees said these funds are likely far less than the overall need and will be allocated to the highest-need areas first. The committee will meet again on Wednesday to work on bills.