OR HB2296

Transfers responsibility for public defense services in circuit court proceedings from the Oregon Public Defense Commission to county governing bodies, requiring each county to develop a public defense services plan and contract directly with attorneys and law firms

Requires the Oregon Public Defense Commission to distribute state appropriated funds to counties proportionate to population, and shifts the Commission's role from direct service delivery to assisting counties with policy development, standards, training, and contracting

Counties must pay fees and expenses for appointed counsel representation, submit monthly accounting to the Commission, and may designate representatives to handle billing and preauthorization for defense expenses

Maintains the Commission's responsibility for hiring appellate attorneys for Court of Appeals and Supreme Court cases, while eliminating the trial division and nonprofit public defense organization contracting provisions

Takes effect on the 91st day after the 2025 legislative session adjourns, with key amendments to public defense statutes becoming operative on January 1, 2026