Louisiana House Bill HB105

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14
• Report Pass: 4/2/14
• Engrossed: 4/14/14
• Refer: 4/15/14
• Report Pass: 5/7/14
• Enrolled: 5/15/14
• Chaptered: 5/28/14
• Passed: 5/28/14

Caption

Increases the amount of supplemental compensation or benefits allowed to be provided to an attorney who is a public employee who is participating in a bona fide Loan Repayment Assistance Program

Impact

The bill's enactment would significantly impact state laws regarding the compensation of public attorneys by allowing a greater portion of their compensation to come from nonpublic sources through established loan repayment programs. This modification seeks to recognize the contributions of public attorneys while encouraging graduates to pursue careers in public service, potentially countering the trend of new lawyers gravitating toward higher-paying private sector jobs.

Summary

House Bill 105 is a legislative measure aimed at amending the Code of Governmental Ethics in Louisiana to enhance the support provided to public attorneys participating in Loan Repayment Assistance Programs. Specifically, the bill proposes to increase the maximum supplemental compensation allowed for attorneys who qualify under this program from three thousand dollars to five thousand dollars per year. This change is intended to help alleviate the financial burden of student loan debt that many public lawyers face, particularly those who serve in public positions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 105 appears to be positive, especially among advocates for public service and legal representatives who view the enhancement of loan repayment assistance as a necessary step toward attracting and retaining qualified attorneys in public roles. There's a recognition that increasing financial aid in the form of supplemental compensation could ease the burden of educational debt, enabling more lawyers to serve in the public sector without being deterred by financial constraints.

Contention

Notable points of contention with HB 105 could center around the implications of increasing the financial assistance threshold for public attorneys. Critics may argue about the sustainability of such elevating benefits and whether it could set a precedent for higher compensation rates across other public service roles. However, as of the latest voting records, the bill received broad support, passing unanimously through the Senate, suggesting limited opposition to the proposed changes.