FL S0762

Requires offices of criminal conflict and civil regional counsel to provide written notice to the court when they can no longer represent an indigent defendant in a death penalty case due to conflict of interest or lack of qualifications

Authorizes courts to appoint regional counsel from another region to represent death penalty defendants when local counsel is unavailable, with consideration given to judicial economy and geographic proximity

Mandates biannual reporting (February 1 and August 1) to the Justice Administrative Commission for each cross-regional death penalty case, including case status, discovery deadlines, number of victims, and mitigation specialist information

Requires appointment of private counsel when no regional office can accept a death penalty case due to conflicts or lack of qualified attorneys

Takes effect July 1, 2026