Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2331

Introduced
2/6/26  

Caption

A bill for an act creating an attorney loan repayment program, and making appropriations.(Formerly HSB 532; See HF 2760.)

Impact

The bill will significantly impact Iowa's legal landscape by creating opportunities for recent law graduates to practice law in rural counties, where legal services are often scarce. By prioritizing lawyers practicing in rural areas with lower populations, the law aims to address the imbalance in legal service availability between urban and rural regions. The establishment of this fund under the college student aid commission indicates a committed state-level investment in the future of legal practice in Iowa.

Summary

House File 2331 establishes an attorney loan repayment program in Iowa, aimed at encouraging attorneys to remain and practice law within the state, particularly in rural areas. The program is designed to alleviate the financial burden of student loans for new law graduates by providing loan repayment assistance for eligible attorneys who meet specific conditions. This initiative is intended to strengthen the legal workforce in underserved areas, ensuring better access to legal services for residents in those regions.

Contention

Notable contention surrounding HF 2331 may arise from differing views on the allocation of public funds for private education expense relief. Some critics may question whether the state should prioritize funding for loan repayments for attorneys over other pressing needs, such as K-12 education or healthcare services. Furthermore, the limitation on enrollment in the program to only 110 attorneys per year could raise concerns about access and equity in support availability amidst heightened demand for legal aid services.

Companion Bills

IA HSB532

Related A bill for an act relating to the university of Iowa college of law, including priority for admission and reporting requirements.(See HF 2331, HF 2760.)

IA HF2760

Similar To A bill for an act creating an attorney loan repayment program, and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 2331, HSB 532.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2760

A bill for an act creating an attorney loan repayment program, and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 2331, HSB 532.)

IA HF1001

A bill for an act creating a rural attorney recruitment assistance program, and making appropriations. (Formerly HF 209, HF 15.)

IA HF209

A bill for an act creating a rural attorney recruitment assistance program, and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 15; See HF 1001.)

IA HF15

A bill for an act creating a rural attorney recruitment assistance program, and making appropriations.(See HF 209, HF 1001.)

IA SF250

A bill for an act creating a rural attorney recruitment assistance program, and making appropriations.

IA SF2491

A bill for an act providing for the rural veterinarian loan repayment program, including by allowing a loan repayment recipient to exclude net income attributable to loan payments received under the program.(Formerly SF 2460.)

IA HF2770

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the justice system, providing fees, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 775.) Effective date: 07/01/2026. Applicability date: 07/01/2026.

IA HF2466

A bill for an act relating to apprenticeships and other career training and making appropriations.(Formerly HSB 674.)

IA HF271

A bill for an act establishing the comprehensive transition and postsecondary program scholarship program and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 97.)

IA HF2468

A bill for an act creating the Iowa rural health transformation fund and making appropriations.(Formerly HSB 619; See HF 2743.)

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