HF 3607 Summary

• Eliminates the $75 co-payment requirement for defendants who receive public defender services.

• Removes the ad hoc Board of Public Defense that was convened for appointing district public defenders.

• Changes removal procedures for state public defenders, chief appellate public defenders, and chief district public defenders to require recommendation of the state public defender and a two-thirds vote of the State Board of Public Defense.

• Increases maximum attorney fees for defendants on appeal from $5,000 to $10,000, exclusive of reasonable expenses.

• Appropriates funds to the Board of Public Defense for fiscal year 2025 (amount unspecified in bill text).