MS HB818

Amends Section 25-32-5 to require county public defenders' compensation to be at least equal to district attorneys' compensation, regardless of whether they represent one county, multiple counties, or an entire circuit court district.

Prohibits full-time public defenders and assistant public defenders from engaging in private law practice, while allowing part-time public defenders to practice law outside of criminal matters.

Requires public defender offices to be provided with office space, secretarial assistance, and operating expenses at least equal to those of the county prosecuting attorney or district attorney.

Brings forward existing statutes regarding the State Public Defender's office structure, the Capital Defense Counsel Division, the Indigent Appeals Division, and the Public Defender Training Division without substantive changes.

Takes effect July 1, 2021.