FL S0596

Removes requirement that regional counsel employees be governed by Justice Administrative Commission classification and salary plans, allowing independent compensation structures.

Modifies Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission procedures to nominate the current regional counsel for reappointment and up to three additional candidates, with retroactive application to terms beginning October 1, 2019.

Prohibits courts from appointing regional counsel to represent a defendant who has retained private counsel on the same case.

Expands regional counsels' access to confidential information in child welfare and juvenile proceedings, criminal justice records, and inmate records on equal footing with public defenders.

Grants regional counsel offices fictitious name registration for motor vehicles and vessels, waives certain education/training requirements for their attorneys in guardianship and incapacity proceedings, and includes regional counsel investigators in law enforcement death benefit provisions.