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NY A05986
Bill
Status
2/25/2025
Primary Sponsor
Robert Carroll
Click for details
AI Summary
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Establishes the "public interest legal services loan assistance fund" to help prosecutors, public defenders, indigent defense attorneys, and civil legal services attorneys repay student loans
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Increases bar examination fees from $250 to $400 (or $750 for foreign-educated applicants) and admission on motion fees from $400 to $500, with $150 and $100 respectively deposited into the new fund
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Eligible attorneys must be admitted to practice in New York, hold a law degree for no more than 11 years, and be within their "eligible period" (years 4-9 of public interest employment)
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Provides reimbursement of up to $6,000 per year for student loan expenses, with payments reduced proportionally if fund appropriations are insufficient to cover all eligible applicants
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Chief administrator of the courts will administer the program, create application processes, and promulgate rules, with the act taking effect September 1 following enactment
Legislative Description
Establishes the "public interest legal services loan assistance fund" of the state of New York (to consist of a portion of bar examination fees and other funds appropriated by the legislature therefor and such other monies as may be credited or otherwise transferred from any other fund or source pursuant to law, including voluntary contributions); provides for administration of such fund to assist public service attorneys practicing public interest law in repaying their student loans; defines certain terms and adds other related provisions.
Last Action
referred to judiciary
1/7/2026