The bill amends the Idaho Code to enhance the public defense system, focusing on the provision of legal defense for indigent defendants while ensuring efficient use of taxpayer resources. Key amendments include the requirement for the Office of the State Public Defender to develop a statewide facilities transition plan for moving from county-provided to state-owned or leased facilities, as well as a report analyzing the efficiency of transitioning contracted public defense services to state employees. The bill also outlines the powers and duties of the State Public Defender, emphasizing compliance with indigent defense standards and establishing Idaho-specific workload standards for defending attorneys.

Significant changes involve the removal of provisions that previously mandated counties to provide indigent public defense, shifting the full financial and legal responsibility to the state. The bill clarifies that counties must continue to provide office space for the state public defender until July 1, 2029, with the state public defender required to reimburse counties for related expenses. It also specifies the rights of indigent individuals to legal representation in various legal proceedings, while limiting counties' financial obligations to cases explicitly listed in the bill. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, aiming to strengthen the public defense system in Idaho and promote accountability and effective resource management.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 1-1105, 16-2009, 19-6005, 19-6006, 19-6008, 19-6009