MS SB2764

Amends Section 99-40-1 of the Mississippi Code to authorize the Office of the State Public Defender to provide representation to indigent parents and guardians in termination of parental rights cases and appeals of those cases from chancery or county youth courts.

Representation shall be provided at the discretion of the State Defender to the extent funds are available, by staff attorneys or contract counsel approved by the court, or through contracts with legal-service organizations.

Representation may only be provided after a court has approved court-appointed counsel in the appeal.

Creates the Indigent Appeals Division within the Office of the State Public Defender, headed by an Indigent Appeals Director who must be an attorney in good standing with The Mississippi Bar.

Takes effect July 1, 2016.