ID SCR103

Legislative Council authorized to appoint a 10-member committee (5 senators, 5 representatives) to continue studying public defense reform approaches in Idaho.

Committee study shall address funding issues, public defense contracting practices, data reporting, training and experience standards for public defense attorneys, and enforcement mechanisms for compliance with system standards.

Committee cochairmen authorized to appoint technical advisors from criminal justice stakeholders, though non-legislative advisors shall receive no reimbursement and have no voting privileges.

Study builds on prior Public Defense Reform Interim Committee work that proposed a model keeping county-level trial defense delivery while establishing state oversight through a State Public Defense Commission with rulemaking authority.

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