Bill > SB5027

This bill establishes a loan repayment program for public defense attorneys and prosecutors in Washington state. The program will provide eligible attorneys with up to $20,000 per year for three years (potentially extendable to six years) to help repay their law school educational loans, with a total maximum repayment of $120,000 per participant. To qualify, attorneys must be licensed in Washington and work full-time as public defenders or prosecutors, which is defined as at least 80% of a standard public defender caseload. Participants must commit to working in their qualifying position for at least three years and agree to allow the program access to their loan records. The program covers loans from both government and private sources and will prioritize attorneys working in rural areas if funding is limited. Public defense attorneys can be employed by the state, local governments, nonprofit organizations, or private law firms that contract with government entities. Prosecutors must be full-time employees of city or county prosecuting attorney offices. If participants leave their qualifying position before completing their service obligation, they may be required to repay a proportional amount of the assistance received. The bill also creates a dedicated account for program funding, which can be filled by legislative appropriations and other public or private funds.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5027&Year=2025&Initiative=false