Kelly signs bipartisan bill targeting rural attorney shortages
A new law aims to build up the rural legal workforce.
TOPEKA, Kan. — Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bipartisan bill addressing workforce challenges in rural legal services, with supporters citing threats to rural courts.
Substitute for House Bill 2595 creates the Attorney Training Program for Rural Kansas Act, designed to attract legal talent to less-populated counties. The initiative provides law students at the University of Kansas and Washburn University with a $3,000 annual stipend for up to three years if they commit to practicing in rural areas. The bill also offers licensed attorneys up to $20,000 annually in loan repayment for up to five years if they practice in qualifying counties.
"The lack of attorneys in rural areas has put the state on the verge of a constitutional crisis," said Rep. Linda Featherston, D-Johnson County. Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Phillips County, said the program will take "meaningful, long-term steps" to replace a retiring generation of rural lawyers.
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