MS HB273

Clarifies that county public defenders have authority to assign duties and exercise supervision over all office employees regardless of the source of funding for those employees.

Requires public defenders' offices to be provided with office space, secretarial assistance, and reasonable operating expenses at least equal to or more than the county prosecuting attorney or district attorney.

Specifies that public defender compensation and office expenses are paid by the county or counties (if jointly acting) upon approval by the board of supervisors.

Repeals Section 25-32-21, which contained a provision for repealing public defender statutes upon implementation of a now-defunct statewide public defender system.

Takes effect upon passage.