AR SB118

Appropriates $2,588,811 to the Arkansas Public Defender Commission - State Operations for fiscal year 2012-2013, including $1,188,283 for regular salaries (18 employees maximum) and $825,000 for professional fees.

Appropriates $20,366,127 to the Trial Public Defender Office for fiscal year 2012-2013, including $14,317,442 for regular salaries (220 employees maximum), $770,000 for public defender commission programs, and $300,000 for bail bond county public defender program.

Appropriates $89,640 to the Ombudsman Program for fiscal year 2012-2013, including $70,708 for regular salaries (1 employee maximum).

Authorizes 3 temporary or part-time "Extra Help" employees for both State Operations and Trial Public Defender Office, with pay rates not to exceed those provided in the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act.

Establishes special language provisions regarding fee collection from courts and bail bond companies, transfer of funds between appropriation items, duties of dependency-neglect appeals attorneys, and restrictions on use of funds for retained counsel without proper certification through June 30, 2013.