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 a new provision for the Safe Return Representation Program and allows for the imposition of additional court costs in certain municipalities, with proceeds directed to indigent defender funds.

Furthermore, the bill repeals the existing R.S. 33:447.11 and enacts R.S. 33:447.11.1, which permits mayors in specific municipalities to impose additional court costs for municipal ordinance violations, with a portion allocated to the local indigent defender fund. The amendments also clarify the process for determining indigency and the responsibilities of district public defenders, including maintaining client workloads and managing funds. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the structure and funding of indigent defense services in Louisiana.

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)