HR 148 Summary

• William S. Richardson School of Law is requested to convene a task force to study establishing a loan forgiveness program for law school graduates serving rural communities in Hawaii.

• Task Force for Rural Legal Assistance shall include the Dean of the law school (or designee), representatives from the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Foundation, and Access to Justice Commission, plus one Senate member appointed by the Senate President and one House member appointed by the Speaker.

• Task force must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature at least ten days before the 2020 Regular Session convenes.

• Program aims to reduce law school debt burdens that limit graduates' career choices and increase legal services availability for rural Hawaiian residents.