MS HB1540

Appropriates $2,627,120.00 from the State General Fund to the Office of Capital Post-Conviction Counsel for fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018).

Appropriates an additional $1,035,000.00 from special source funds available to the office for the same fiscal year.

Directs appropriated funds to be used for office operating expenses and representation of all post-conviction appeals in capital cases.

Eliminates the requirement for county governments to fund counsel and litigation expenses for post-conviction proceedings in death penalty cases.

Takes effect July 1, 2017.