House Bill No. 447, introduced by Representative Farnum, aims to amend and reenact several provisions related to the office of the state public defender in Louisiana. Key changes include allowing the Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Board to conduct meetings electronically, with a limit of two such meetings per calendar year. The bill also clarifies that district public defenders who contract with the state public defender's office are considered independent contractors and not agents of the state. Additionally, it modifies the disciplinary process for district public defenders, restricting the right to a hearing and investigation to cases of discipline or early contract termination, while removing provisions related to hearings for non-renewal of contracts.

Furthermore, the bill repeals certain existing provisions regarding disciplinary actions and establishes that the state public defender has sole authority over contracting for legal services. It also introduces a provision that prohibits clerks of court from charging fees for filing writ applications or appeals when a determination of indigency has been made. The bill is set to take effect upon the governor's signature or after the expiration of the time for gubernatorial action.

Statutes affected:
HB447 Original: 15:170(C), 15:170(F)