HB 271 Summary

• Establishes the Alaska Public Counsel Commission to administer the Public Defender Agency and office of public advocacy, replacing governance by the governor and commissioner of administration.

• Transfers appointment authority for the public defender and public advocate from the governor to the commission, with candidates nominated by the judicial council and terms increased to six years.

• Creates a nine-member commission appointed by the governor, chief justice, and legislative leaders, with requirements that members have experience in defense of indigent persons and include attorneys and advocates for specific populations.

• Appoints an executive director of the commission to oversee both defense agencies, with salary and status equivalent to Department of Law attorneys.

• Ensures the commission cannot interfere with individual case handling or access case files, maintaining independence of defense counsel in their legal representation duties.