MS SB2755

Extends the sunset provision for the Mississippi Public Defender Task Force from July 1, 2018 to July 1, 2023.

Removes all references to the Capital Defense Counsel Fund throughout Mississippi Code sections 99-18-1 and 99-18-17, as the fund no longer exists.

Codifies the Indigent Appeals Division in new Section 99-18-21, establishing the Director position (attorney salary equivalent to district attorney) and staff, with duties to provide appellate representation for indigent felony convicts and support to trial court public defenders.

Creates the Public Defender Training Division within the Office of State Public Defender to provide continuing legal education, technical assistance, and legislative information to public defenders in state, county, municipal and youth courts.

Repeals Section 99-40-1, which previously created duplicate provisions for the Indigent Appeals Division, Public Defender Training Division, and associated funds, consolidating these functions under the reorganized office structure effective July 1, 2018.