FL H0177

Requires offices of criminal conflict and civil regional counsel to notify the court when they have a conflict of interest or can no longer represent an indigent defendant in a death penalty case

Authorizes courts to appoint a criminal conflict and civil regional counsel from a different region to represent the defendant, provided that office has no conflict and the regional counsel agrees to accept the appointment

Mandates appointment of private counsel if no regional counsel office can be appointed to represent the defendant

Justice Administrative Commission must pay due process costs and services for appointed regional counsel from another region, subject to legislative appropriation and submission of appropriate documentation certifying expenses are case-related

Effective date: July 1, 2026