HB2929 Summary

• Creates the Public Defender Bail Reform Grant Program administered by the State Appellate Defender to assist county public defenders in implementing counsel requirements at bail hearings under the Code of Criminal Procedure.

• Eligible counties are those that do not employ a full-time public defender as of January 1, 2019, and may establish county population thresholds for eligibility.

• Applications must be made by the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court, who will also administer the grants; multiple eligible counties in the same circuit may apply jointly.

• State Appellate Defender shall request grant program funds within its annual appropriation and may seek additional contributions and grants to supplement state funds.

• State Appellate Defender may establish internship programs with law schools and seek Supreme Court permission to use provisional law students to represent individuals in bail hearings in eligible counties.