MI HB5985

Establishes the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) as an autonomous entity within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to develop and oversee minimum standards for indigent criminal defense services statewide.

Creates an 18-member MIDC appointed by the governor from nominations submitted by the legislature, courts, bar associations, and other stakeholder organizations, with members serving staggered 4-year terms.

Requires each indigent criminal defense system to submit compliance plans addressing how they will meet MIDC minimum standards and submit cost analyses within 180 days of standard approval; MIDC must approve or disapprove plans within 90 days.

Establishes funding structure where local units of government maintain their historical "local share" baseline expenditure, with the state providing grants for additional costs needed to achieve MIDC compliance standards through appropriations.

Creates dispute resolution procedures including mediation and circuit court equitable relief, allowing courts to order the MIDC to provide defense services on behalf of non-compliant systems with escalating cost-sharing obligations over 5 years.