The proposed bill establishes the "Attorney Training Program for Rural Kansas Act," aimed at encouraging attorneys and law students to practice in rural areas of Kansas. It creates a fund to provide financial assistance to law students from Washburn University and the University of Kansas, who agree to practice law in rural communities after graduation. The program includes a loan agreement that allows students to receive up to $30,000 per year for educational expenses, which can be forgiven upon fulfilling specific obligations, such as completing their law degree and practicing law in a rural area for at least 12 continuous months for each year they received a loan.
Additionally, the bill establishes an advisory committee to oversee the administration of both the law student training program and a separate loan repayment program for rural attorneys. This program will offer financial assistance to eligible rural attorneys, covering up to $20,000 per year for loan repayment, with a maximum of $100,000 over five years. The bill outlines eligibility criteria for both law students and attorneys, as well as the obligations they must meet to receive and maintain financial assistance. The funds will be managed by the judicial administrator, ensuring that all expenditures align with legislative appropriations.