CO HB1289

Office of State Public Defender must implement workload standards by July 1, 2025, to determine when deputy public defender workloads are excessive under federal and state constitutions and Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct.

Standards must account for average time required per case type, attorney duties mandated by law, variable jurisdictional needs, and non-case-related job responsibilities including training, paid leave, and administrative tasks.

Standards must establish monitoring protocols for supervisors and notification procedures when a deputy's workload exceeds the established standards.

Office must consult with employees through at least three in-person meetings (with remote participation option) and provide four-week feedback periods before and after implementing proposed standards.

Office must report annually to the legislature on the number of times deputy workloads exceeded standards and how each occurrence was handled as part of the "SMART Act" hearing required by statute.