AR SB148

Appropriates $2,560,267 to Arkansas Public Defender Commission – State Operations for fiscal year 2011-2012, including $1,164,426 for regular salaries of 18 employees and $825,000 for professional fees.

Appropriates $20,000,756 to Trial Public Defender Office for fiscal year 2011-2012, including $14,007,780 for regular salaries of 220 employees, $770,000 for Commission programs, and $300,000 for bail bond county public defender program.

Appropriates $89,640 to Ombudsman Program for fiscal year 2011-2012, including $70,708 for one regular salary position.

Authorizes three (3) temporary or part-time "Extra Help" employees for both State Operations and Trial Public Defender Office at rates established by the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act.

Establishes funding mechanisms for court fees and bail bond fees to support public defender operations, with $3.00 per bail bond fee distributed to counties on quarterly basis using formula of 75% equally to all 75 counties and 25% per capita.