HI HB549

Establishes the Public Service Legal Loan Repayment Assistance Program to provide loan repayment assistance to licensed lawyers working in public service positions serving indigent persons through nonprofit organizations.

Program jointly administered by the Hawaii Justice Foundation and William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii with an appointed advisory board.

Provides maximum assistance of $10,000 per year per participant (adjusted for inflation) with cumulative limit of $50,000, funded through appropriations and private contributions to a dedicated state fund.

Requires participants to apply for assistance from other sources first, contribute at least 5% of gross monthly salary toward loan repayment, and continue eligible employment for required service obligations.

Appropriates unspecified general revenues to the public service legal loan repayment assistance fund for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017, effective July 1, 2525.