AR SB36

Appropriates $2,985,443 to Arkansas Public Defender Commission - State Operations for fiscal year 2019-2020, including $1,366,875 in regular salaries for 19 employees and $925,000 in professional fees

Appropriates $24,250,436 to Trial Public Defender Office for fiscal year 2019-2020, including $16,643,709 in regular salaries for 249 employees, $725,000 in professional fees, $770,000 for programs, and $300,000 for bail bond county public defender support

Appropriates $74,892 to Ombudsman Program (1 employee) and $3,142,156 to Commission for Parent Counsel (7 employees plus 14 part-time/temporary staff), including $1,870,231 for parent counsel reimbursements

Amends Arkansas Code to clarify that Arkansas Public Defender Commission provides support to Commission for Parent Counsel but has no oversight authority, and establishes that bail bond fees transfer $3 per bond to counties and remaining funds to the Public Defender Commission

Authorizes professional services agreements for public defenders and state agency attorneys appointed to provide defense representation, with total compensation not exceeding 25% above the maximum pay grade of the employee's position