The bill establishes a law school loan repayment program specifically for public defenders and prosecutors in Washington State, creating new sections in chapter 28B.77 RCW. To qualify for the program, applicants must be licensed attorneys practicing full-time in public defense or prosecution, with a commitment to maintain their positions for at least three years. The program offers a minimum of $20,000 per year in loan repayment assistance for up to three years, with the possibility of extension, and sets a cap of $120,000 in total assistance. Participants must agree to meet service obligations and provide access to loan records for verification purposes. If participants fail to fulfill their service obligations, they are required to repay the program an amount equal to the unsatisfied portion of their commitment.
Additionally, the bill creates an account for the law school loan repayment program, which will hold all appropriated funds and other contributions intended for loan repayments or scholarships. Expenditures from this account can only be authorized by the designated office and are not subject to appropriation requirements, although they must follow allotment procedures. The bill prioritizes funding for public defense attorneys and prosecutors working in rural areas if resources are insufficient to cover all applicants.