MS HB1696

Appropriates $3,074,662.00 from the State General Fund to the Office of State Public Defender for fiscal year 2021 (July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021).

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

Sets performance targets for capital defense cases including 75% of trial cases opened within one year and maintaining an average of 8 reversals due to ineffective assistance of counsel.

Allocates $278,500.00 for Indigent Parental Representation to contract with certified attorneys representing indigent parents or guardians in abuse, neglect, and parental rights termination proceedings.

Requires the agency to maintain accounting and personnel records comparable to fiscal year 2020 and give preference to Mississippi Industries for the Blind in competitive bids when prices, quality, and service are equal.