MS HB360

Revises qualifications for State Public Defender to require eligibility as trial or appellate counsel in death penalty cases (previously required both lead trial and appellate qualifications)

Authorizes the State Public Defender to solicit and accept money, gifts, grants, or services from any public or private source to fund office operations

Expands State Public Defender authority to represent indigent persons in criminal or youth court matters where there is a constitutional right to appointed counsel, including abuse, neglect, and termination of parental rights cases

Terminates the Capital Defense Fund as a special fund in the State Treasury and repeals separate special funds for the Indigent Appeals and Public Defender Training divisions, consolidating funding through State General Fund appropriations

Requires the Administrative Office of Courts to provide the State Public Defender with read-only access to the Mississippi Youth Court Information Delivery System (MYCIDS) and grants youth courts authority to provide case access to State Public Defender representatives