AZ SB1204

Establishes the state capital postconviction public defender office to represent indigent persons in postconviction relief proceedings after death sentences are rendered.

Governor appoints the defender based on merit from a submitted list; appointment is for a four-year term with removal only for good cause by the nomination, retention and standards commission on indigent defense.

Defender must be a member in good standing of the Arizona State Bar with at least five years prior legal practice and substantial criminal defense experience, meeting capital case appointment standards.

Defender's salary equals the annual salary of the chief counsel of the capital litigation section in the Attorney General's office.

Defender is prohibited from private practice, engaging only with cases assigned by the supreme court, and counties must reimburse 50% of fees per case up to $30,000.