AK HB210

Amends AS 18.85.020 to authorize the public defender agency to create organizational silos isolating individuals or groups from communications and decision-making to prevent conflicts of interest in cases.

Modifies Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 45(b) to require felony trials within 120 days and misdemeanor or violation trials within 70 days (removing misdemeanors and violations from the 120-day felony requirement).

Amends Rule 45(c)(6) to reduce the trial deadline for minor offenses from 120 days to 70 days, measured from when the defendant's trial request is received by the court or municipality.

Amends Rule 45(d)(7) to allow additional delays for good cause only upon application by the defendant or defendant's counsel (removing prosecution's ability to request such delays).

Applies to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date.