House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to enhance the funding structure for the office of the district public defender in the 19th Judicial District Court, located in East Baton Rouge Parish. The bill enacts R.S. 15:161.1, which stipulates that, in addition to existing funding from the state public defender's office, the district public defender's office will receive an expense allowance for salaries of public defenders and support staff, as well as for various operational expenses such as stationery, travel, and other costs incurred while performing official duties.

Furthermore, the bill authorizes the governing authorities of East Baton Rouge Parish and its cities to contribute to these expenses from their general funds. The allocation of these expenses will be determined proportionately by the respective governing authorities, ensuring that the financial responsibilities are shared among the parish and city governments. This legislative change is intended to provide more robust financial support for the district public defender's office, thereby improving the delivery of public defense services in the area.