MS HB1591

Appropriates $3,511,641.00 from special funds in the State Treasury to the Office of State Public Defender for fiscal year 2012-2013 (July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013).

Authorizes 25 permanent full-time positions for the Office of State Public Defender.

Permits the Director of the Office of State Public Defender to accept and expend additional source funds not to exceed $700,000.00, with escalation consistent with federal fund procedures.

Requires the agency to maintain accounting and personnel records in the same format and detail as Fiscal Year 2012, and submit future budget requests in comparable format.

Requires preference in purchases to Mississippi Industries for the Blind when multiple bids are received with equal price, quality, and service terms, or when purchases are made without competitive bids.