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HB 2595

Substitute for HB 2595 by Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources - Enacting the attorney training program for rural Kansas act, providing stipends to law students who meet certain requirements and agree to practice law in rural areas and providing loan forgiveness to lawyers who meet certain requirements and practice law in rural areas, coordination between the department of commerce and the office of judicial administration.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas establishes a five-year law student financial assistance fund to incentivize attorneys to practice in underserved rural areas.

Approved by Governor on Monday, April 6, 2026
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Bill Summary · HB 2595

Legislative bill overview

HB 2595 creates a financial assistance program for law students in Kansas who commit to practicing law in rural areas. The bill establishes the "Attorney Training Program for Rural Kansas Fund" and allocates funding for a five-year period to support this initiative through loan forgiveness, scholarships, or similar mechanisms.

Why is this important

Rural areas across Kansas face a critical shortage of legal services, with many communities having few or no practicing attorneys. By incentivizing law graduates to work in underserved regions, this bill aims to improve access to justice for rural populations and strengthen legal infrastructure in communities that struggle to attract legal professionals.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and budget allocation: The bill transfers state moneys to fund the program for five years, raising questions about the total financial commitment, whether it's sustainable long-term, and how it compares to other state priorities
  • Program design specifics: The bill's actual terms are unclear—it doesn't specify loan forgiveness amounts, service requirements, salary thresholds, or definitions of "rural areas," which could affect program effectiveness and fairness
  • Return on investment: Questions about whether the five-year funding period is sufficient to create lasting change, whether recipients will stay in rural areas afterward, and if the cost per attorney placed is reasonable

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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