HB 24-1374 Summary

• Clarifies that independent contractors providing legal services for three independent judicial agencies (Office of the Alternative Defense Counsel, Office of the Child's Representative, and Office of Respondent Parents' Counsel) are eligible for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness under 2023 federal rule changes.

• Authorizes directors of these agencies to sign certifications for current and past independent contractors confirming their apparent eligibility for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness as allowed by federal law or regulations.

• Permits agencies to share contractor information including name, Social Security number or federal employer identification number, and total hours billed by calendar year with other independent judicial agencies to support loan forgiveness eligibility certification.

• Establishes that Colorado relies primarily on an independent contractor model for legal representation in these agencies because providing services through government employees would create ethical conflicts prohibited by law.

• Notes that the federal government retains ultimate responsibility for determining actual Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility and that the bill does not alter state or local loan forgiveness programs.