AK HB221

Amends AS 18.85.120(b) to require persons seeking court-appointed counsel to certify their financial resources and ability to pay in writing under oath, subject to perjury penalties.

Removes language allowing certification "by other record" and requires written certification of material factors relative to financial resources.

Amends Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 39.1(e) to require courts determine defendant eligibility for appointed counsel through oath examination about financial status and/or a signed sworn financial statement subject to perjury penalties.

Changes the rule from allowing either oral examination or financial statement to requiring both methods ("and" instead of "or") for eligibility determination.

Requires defendants requesting appointed counsel to execute a general waiver authorizing release of financial information to the court as required by AS 18.85.120.