LA SB448

All funds from state appropriations, judicial district indigent defender funds, and local governments must be used exclusively for administration of services and representation of public defender clients

Repeals provisions allowing judicial districts to accumulate funds for expert witnesses and allowing indigent persons with private counsel to apply for expert witness funding

Prohibits courts from ordering payment of any funds administered by the state public defender office or district public defenders for expert witnesses or any other reason

Prohibits clerks of court from charging any fees, including convenience fees, for filing writ applications or appeals when the applicant or appellant has been determined indigent

Effective August 1, 2026