The proposed bill, if enacted, would significantly alter the current statutes regarding court fees and assessments for criminal defendants. Under the new provisions, the court would be prohibited from assessing any fees related to the appointment of public defenders or court-appointed counsel, including indigent administrative assessments and reimbursement costs to the county for legal services. Additionally, the bill would eliminate the requirement for defendants to demonstrate their inability to pay for certified copies of records on appeal, thereby ensuring that such costs are charged to the county. Furthermore, the Supreme Court would be barred from imposing additional fees for jury trials in criminal cases, and no jury fees would be allowed in these instances.

The bill also removes the requirement for probation officers to investigate a defendant's ability to contribute to their legal defense costs in presentence reports. This change aims to alleviate the financial burden on defendants and their families. Overall, the bill seeks to ensure that legal representation and related services are provided without cost to defendants, thereby promoting access to justice for individuals facing criminal charges.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-584, 12-115, 12-253, 12-306, 12-332, 13-4034, 22-371, 36-3704, 8-221, 14-5414, 35-146, 35-147, 21-222, 35-313, 12-302, 12-304, 13-3994
House Engrossed Version: 11-584, 12-115, 12-253, 12-306, 12-332, 13-4034, 22-371, 36-3704, 8-221, 14-5414, 35-146, 35-147, 21-222, 35-313, 12-302, 12-304, 13-3994
Senate Engrossed Version: 11-584, 12-115, 12-253, 12-332, 13-4034, 22-371, 36-3704, 8-221, 14-5414, 35-146, 35-147, 21-222, 35-313, 12-302, 12-304, 13-3994
Chaptered Version: 11-584, 12-115, 12-253, 12-332, 13-4034, 22-371, 36-3704, 8-221, 14-5414, 35-146, 35-147, 21-222, 35-313, 12-302, 12-304, 13-3994