NC S685

Appropriates $1,600,000 from the General Fund to the Office of Indigent Defense Services for fiscal year 2015-2016 to establish automated kiosks in local confinement facilities.

Kiosks enable attorneys representing indigent defendants to consult with clients remotely using technology that prevents monitoring or recording to preserve attorney-client confidentiality.

Savings from the kiosk system shall be used at the Commission on Indigent Defense Services' discretion to either continue kiosk funding or increase rates for private assigned counsel and contract attorneys during the 2015-2017 biennium.

Requires the Office of Indigent Defense Services to report annually by February 1 to relevant legislative committees on kiosk establishment, usage, and cost-savings.

Effective date: July 1, 2015.