IL HB5385

Expands the definition of "public interest attorney" to include solo practitioners or attorneys employed by private practices in counties with 20 or fewer attorneys in private practice, making them eligible for loan repayment assistance

Allows graduates of Illinois law schools who are licensed attorneys in good standing in another state to qualify for the program, not just Illinois Bar members

Increases maximum loan repayment assistance from $6,000 to $10,000 per year and from $30,000 to $50,000 over a participant's career

Adds income eligibility cap requiring applicants to have earned no more than $120,000 from the practice of law in the prior 12 months

Expands the program's purpose to include providing services to persons in underserved or rural areas, in addition to protecting vulnerable citizens and enforcing state law