ID HCR026

Authorizes the Legislative Council to appoint a ten-member committee (five senators and five representatives) to study potential approaches to public defense reform in Idaho.

Committee shall study the creation, funding, and implementation of a public defense commission with statewide standards, as well as requirements for counties to operate public defender offices and join a statewide association of public defense attorneys.

Identifies deficiencies in Idaho's current public defense system including lack of uniformity in indigency determination, excessive caseloads, lack of attorney training and resources, flat fee contracts, and insufficient data reporting.

Committee cochairmen are authorized to appoint technical advisors from stakeholders in the criminal justice system, who shall not receive legislative reimbursement or voting privileges.

Committee shall report findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Second Regular Session of the Sixty-second Idaho Legislature.