AK HB321

Establishes the Alaska Public Counsel Commission to administer both the Public Defender Agency and the office of public advocacy, replacing previous individual governance structures.

Changes public defender and public advocate appointment authority from the Governor to the Alaska Public Counsel Commission, with candidates nominated by the judicial council and serving six-year terms.

Creates a nine-member commission with appointments by the Governor (3 members), Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (3 members), and Senate President and Speaker of the House jointly (3 members), with specific representation requirements for attorneys and advocacy organizations.

Increases public defender and public advocate staff salaries to match Department of Law salary schedules for comparable positions with equivalent experience and job duties.

Requires the commission to oversee defense services, develop policies ensuring quality representation, establish attorney qualification and training standards, and prohibits interference with individual case handling or attorney professional duties.