81R14601 JRJ-D
 
  By: Ellis S.B. No. 2277
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to authorizing certain state agencies to provide student
  loan repayment assistance to attorneys.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Chapter 56, Education Code, is amended by adding
  Subchapter G to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER G. REPAYMENT OF EDUCATION LOANS BY
  AGENCIES THAT ASSIST THE LEGISLATURE
         Sec. 56.101.  REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE AUTHORIZED.  (a)  A state
  agency that by statute provides services to the legislature that
  include assisting in the drafting of proposed legislation may
  provide, in accordance with this subchapter, assistance in the
  repayment of education loans for attorneys employed by the agency
  who apply and qualify for the assistance.
         (b)  The provision of financial assistance in the repayment
  of education loans under this subchapter promotes a public purpose.
         Sec. 56.102.  ELIGIBILITY.  To be eligible to receive
  repayment assistance under this subchapter, an attorney must:
               (1)  apply to the agency;
               (2)  have been employed by the agency for a period that
  includes at least one entire regular session of the legislature;
  and
               (3)  be employed by the agency when the attorney
  applies for the assistance.
         Sec. 56.103.  AMOUNT OF REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE.  The agency
  shall determine the amount of repayment assistance an attorney may
  receive under this subchapter as the agency considers appropriate
  to recruit and retain qualified attorneys.
         Sec. 56.104.  ELIGIBLE LOANS.  (a)  The agency may provide
  repayment assistance for the repayment of any education loan
  received by the attorney through any lender, other than a private
  individual, for:
               (1)  education at a school of law that satisfies the law
  study requirements for licensure as an attorney in this state; or
               (2)  undergraduate education at an institution of
  higher education or an accredited private or independent
  institution of higher education.
         (b)  The agency may not provide repayment assistance for an
  education loan that is in default at the time of the attorney's
  application.
         Sec. 56.105.  REPAYMENT.  (a)  The agency shall make
  repayment assistance under this subchapter payable to both the
  lender and the attorney and in accordance with any applicable
  federal law.
         (b)  Repayment assistance received under this subchapter may
  be applied to the principal amount of the loan and to interest that
  accrues.
         Sec. 56.106.  ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO AGENCY.  The agency
  may request the assistance of the Texas Higher Education
  Coordinating Board, the State Bar of Texas, or the office of the
  attorney general in administering this subchapter.
         Sec. 56.107.  POLICIES.  (a)  The agency may develop policies
  for the administration of this subchapter that are consistent with
  the rules and statutes governing the agency.
         (b)  The agency may distribute a copy of the policies adopted
  under this section and pertinent information regarding this
  subchapter to:
               (1)  schools of law;
               (2)  any appropriate state agency; and
               (3)  any appropriate professional association.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.