MS HB37

Appropriates $4,491,135.00 from the State General Fund and $728,000.00 from special funds to the Office of State Public Defender for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026).

Authorizes 25 permanent positions for the office and establishes performance measures for capital defense cases, including targets for trial case openings and reversals due to ineffective assistance of counsel.

Allocates $446,521.00 for three full-time assistant public defenders, $422,500.00 for indigent parental representation, and $235,926.00 for a youth defender and legal assistant.

Provides $668,000.00 from the Capital Expense Fund for a rural public defense pilot program with a restriction that funds cannot displace existing county public defenders, and $60,000.00 for Hinds County Public Defender's Office support.

Contingently allocates $116,883.00 for attorney salary increases pending passage of House Bill 1509, 2025 Regular Session.