The bill amends various sections of Louisiana law related to indigent defender representation, focusing on the qualifications, powers, and duties of public defenders at both the state and district levels. Key changes include the establishment of the office of the district public defender as a local body corporate with the authority to manage public defender services, and the requirement for the state public defender to develop standards and guidelines for service delivery. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the Louisiana Public Defender Fund and district indigent defender funds, as well as processes for determining indigency and partial reimbursement by indigents.

Furthermore, the bill enacts a new section allowing certain municipalities to impose additional court costs for municipal ordinance violations, with a portion of the proceeds directed to the local indigent defender fund. It also repeals an existing section of law related to these costs. The changes aim to enhance the structure and funding of indigent defense services in Louisiana, ensuring better representation for those unable to afford legal counsel.

Statutes affected:
SB467 Original: 15:150(C), 15:152(B)(2), 15:161(A), 15:162(D), 15:167(E), 15:168(A), 15:175(A)(1), 15:176(C), 15:2(4), 15:3(B)(10)
SB467 Engrossed: 15:150(C), 15:152(B)(2), 15:161(A), 15:162(D), 15:167(E), 15:168(A), 15:175(A)(1), 15:176(C), 15:2(4), 15:3(B)(10)
SB467 Reengrossed: 15:150(C), 15:152(B)(2), 15:161(A), 15:162(D), 15:167(E), 15:168(A), 15:175(A)(1), 15:176(C), 15:2(4), 15:3(B)(10)
SB467 Enrolled: 15:150(C), 15:152(B)(2), 15:161(A), 15:162(D), 15:167(E), 15:168(A), 15:175(A)(1), 15:176(C), 15:2(4), 15:3(B)(10)
SB467 Act 528: 15:150(C), 15:152(B)(2), 15:161(A), 15:162(D), 15:167(E), 15:168(A), 15:175(A)(1), 15:176(C), 15:2(4), 15:3(B)(10)