MS SB2563

Creates Office of State Public Defender consolidating Capital Defense Counsel, Indigent Appeals, and Public Defender Training divisions under a single State Defender appointed by the Governor with Senate consent for four-year terms.

State Defender must be a licensed Mississippi attorney with at least five years criminal law experience, qualified to serve as lead counsel in death penalty cases, with salary between district attorney and 90% of Attorney General's salary.

State Defender gains authority to transfer funds between Capital Defense Counsel Fund, Indigent Appeals Fund, and Public Defenders Education Fund to efficiently operate all three divisions.

Requires new directors of Capital Defense Counsel and Indigent Appeals divisions to be appointed by State Defender; allows sitting directors to continue through their terms, with vacancies filled under new appointment procedures.

Repeals Section 99-18-19 allowing circuit courts to appoint local counsel for death-eligible defendants; consolidates all capital defense representation under the state office structure.

Effective July 1, 2011.