Texas House Bill HB184

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/12/24

Caption

Relating to student loan repayment assistance for certain prosecuting attorneys who are employed as part of the border prosecution unit.

Impact

If enacted, HB184 is anticipated to amend Chapter 61 of the Education Code by establishing Subchapter PP, which would enable the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to administer loan repayment assistance for eligible attorneys. The program would cover up to four years of assistance, with a maximum cap of $110,000 per attorney, and a collective funding limit of $2 million per state fiscal biennium. This structured financial support is viewed as a strategic investment in retaining skilled legal professionals where they are most needed, particularly in border regions, contributing to enhanced legal scrutiny and community safety.

Summary

House Bill 184, known as the Student Loan Repayment Assistance for Border Prosecutors Act, aims to provide financial relief to prosecuting attorneys working within the border prosecution unit of Texas. The legislation seeks to alleviate the burden of educational debt on these attorneys, thereby encouraging sustained employment in a challenging sector while enhancing law enforcement efforts in border-related crimes. The proposed bill creates a framework for a loan repayment assistance program specifically catering to eligible attorneys who have served consecutive years in the border prosecution unit, facilitating both individual and communal benefits in terms of education and legal services.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB184 may revolve around issues of funding, eligibility criteria, and potential implications for state budget allocations. Notably, while proponents argue that this initiative is crucial for attracting and retaining legal talent amid increasing academic debt burdens, critics may question the prioritization of funds. Concerns could arise regarding whether such financial assistance is the most effective use of state resources in light of other pressing needs. Furthermore, the eligibility restriction to employees of the border prosecution unit may face scrutiny regarding equitable access to assistance programs across different regions or prosecutorial roles.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 61. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
  • Section: New Section

Government Code

• Chapter 772. Governmental Planning
  • Section: New Section