The bill amends section 43.16 of the Florida Statutes, which pertains to the composition of the Justice Administrative Commission. The revisions include a change in the number of public defenders on the commission, reducing the number from two to one, and specifying that this member will be appointed by the president of the Florida Public Defender Association. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for the appointment of a board-certified criminal defense attorney with a Criminal Trial Law Certification, who will be appointed by the president of the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar. Furthermore, it adds a chief judge of a judicial circuit to the commission, to be appointed by the chair of the Florida Conference of Circuit Judges.

The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the membership of the Justice Administrative Commission by adjusting the representation of public defenders and adding new roles for criminal defense attorneys and judges, thereby enhancing the commission's oversight and functionality.

Statutes affected:
H 625 Filed: 43.16