ND SB2105

Amends section 54-61-01 to expand the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents' purpose to include providing state-funded legal services to "other criminal defendants" beyond just indigent individuals, as required by state and federal constitutions.

Creates new section requiring state-funded legal counsel for defendants who knowingly and voluntarily refuse to obtain private counsel and are determined by the court to be incompetent to represent themselves.

Requires courts to consider six specific factors when determining self-representation competency: defendant's age, education, experience, personal background, court-ordered evaluations, understanding of proceedings and potential sentences, impact of mental impairment on legal defense, and ability to communicate with court and witnesses.

Requires defendants receiving legal counsel services under this provision to reimburse amounts expended on their behalf pursuant to section 29-07-01.1.

Appropriates $70,500 from the general fund to the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents for the 2011-2013 biennium to provide legal counsel services to defendants who refuse private counsel but are found incompetent to self-represent.