STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS31325 / S1367
Prior to establishment of the Office of the State Public Defender in 2023, counties were responsible to pay for
representation for indigent individuals. This legislation provides clarification that the Office of the State Public
Defender now has responsibility to provide coverage and payment for representation for which counties had
responsibility prior to the creation of the Office of the State Public Defender, as well as any statutorily required
coverage. This bill also creates a fund to coordinate statewide payments for Guardian Ad Litem representation
previously paid by individual counties. A separate account is necessary to ensure a delineation from any funds
for representation of indigent individuals in other cases.
FISCAL NOTE
Although the bill references funds, these dollars were already appropriated through creation of the Office
of the Public Defender in 2023 and will be transferred into a new account. Because this is just clarifying
responsibilities for the Office of the Public Defender, no general fund dollars are needed. Any additional funds
needed for the Office of the Public Defender to carry out the statutorily required duties may be addressed in
additional legislation.
Contact:
Senator Abby Lee
(208) 332-1000
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 02/16/2024, 3:25 PM


Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 16-1614, 19-5905, 67-5303