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Bill

S 161

She DRIVES Act

119th Congress Introduced by Marsha Blackburn and 11 co-sponsors

Bill S 161 expands loan forgiveness eligibility and increases reimbursements for attorneys serving low-income clients, enhancing access to justice for indigent individuals.

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-56.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 161

Summary of Bill S 161

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: S 161
  • Title: Expands the eligibility period for indigent legal service attorneys to receive certain loan forgiveness and increases loan reimbursement for certain attorneys who work in legal services with indigent clients
  • Status: Referred to Higher Education
  • Introduced: January 08, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 161 aims to enhance the financial support available to attorneys who provide legal services to indigent clients. The legislation seeks to expand the eligibility period for loan forgiveness programs and increase the reimbursement amounts for attorneys working in this critical area of legal service. By doing so, the bill intends to attract and retain qualified legal professionals in the field of indigent defense, thereby improving access to justice for low-income individuals.

Key Provisions

  1. Expanded Eligibility Period:

    • The bill extends the timeframe during which indigent legal service attorneys can qualify for loan forgiveness programs. This change is designed to provide longer-term financial relief for attorneys committed to serving low-income clients.

  2. Increased Loan Reimbursement:

    • The legislation proposes an increase in the reimbursement amounts available to attorneys who work in legal services for indigent clients. This increase aims to alleviate the financial burden on these attorneys, making it more feasible for them to continue their work in public service.

Affected Parties

  • Indigent Legal Service Attorneys: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are attorneys who provide legal representation to low-income individuals. The expanded eligibility and increased reimbursements are intended to support their financial stability and professional commitment.
  • Indigent Clients: By improving the financial conditions for attorneys, the bill indirectly benefits clients who rely on these legal services, ensuring they have access to competent legal representation.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 08, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Higher Education Committee.
  • February 03, 2025: First report calendar.
  • February 04, 2025: Second report calendar.
  • February 05, 2025: Advanced to third reading.
  • May 13, 2025: Bill passed in the Senate and delivered to the Assembly, where it was again referred to the Higher Education Committee.

Related Bills

  • S 6668: Prior-session bill related to legal services.
  • S 1176: Prior-session bill concerning attorney loan forgiveness.
  • S 4511: Prior-session bill addressing legal aid funding.
  • A 1602: Companion bill in the Assembly.

Conclusion

Bill S 161 represents a significant step towards enhancing the support system for attorneys serving indigent clients. By expanding eligibility for loan forgiveness and increasing reimbursement rates, the bill aims to strengthen the legal services available to low-income individuals, thereby promoting greater access to justice.

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

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