A. The loan repayment award shall be evidenced by a contract between the participating attorney and the commission [department] acting on behalf of the state. The contract shall state the amount of the award and the obligations of the participating attorney under the public service law loan repayment program, including a minimum three-year period of service, quarterly reporting requirements and other policies established by the commission [department].
B. A participating attorney shall serve a complete year in order to receive credit for that year. The minimum credit for a year shall be established by the commission [department]. The maximum credit for a year shall not exceed seven thousand two hundred dollars ($7,200).
C. If a participating attorney does not comply with the terms of the contract, the commission [department] shall require immediate repayment of the award plus eighteen percent interest and may assess a penalty of up to three times the amount of award disbursed, unless the commission [department] finds acceptable extenuating circumstances for why the participating attorney cannot serve or comply with the terms of the contract. If the commission [department] does not find acceptable extenuating circumstances for the participating attorney's failure to comply with the contract, the commission [department] shall require immediate repayment of the award plus the amount of the penalty.
D. The commission [department], in consultation with the committee, shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section. The rules may provide for the disbursement of loan repayment awards in annual or other periodic installments.
History: Laws 2005, ch. 83, § 6.
Bracketed material. — The bracketed material was inserted by the compiler and is not part of the law.
For designation of the commission on higher education as the higher education department, see 9-25-4.1 NMSA 1978.
Effective dates. — Laws 2005, ch. 83 contained no effective date provision, but, pursuant to N.M. Const., art. IV, § 23, was effective June 17, 2005, 90 days after adjournment of the legislature.
Structure 2021 New Mexico Statutes
Chapter 21 - State and Private Education Institutions
Article 22F - Public Service Law Loan Repayment Act
Section 21-22F-1 - Short title.
Section 21-22F-3 - Definitions.
Section 21-22F-4 - Commission [department]; powers and duties.
Section 21-22F-5 - Loan repayment program; participant eligibility; award criteria.
Section 21-22F-6 - Loan repayment contract terms; payment.
Section 21-22F-7 - Contracts; enforcement.
Section 21-22F-8 - Public service law advisory committee; created; duties.
Section 21-22F-9 - Fund created; method of payment.