The bill amends the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act to improve legal representation for indigent defendants in both criminal and juvenile cases. It establishes minimum standards for effective assistance of counsel, updates the definition of "indigent" to refer to individuals unable to secure competent legal representation without significant financial hardship, and expands indigent defense services to include youth. The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) is tasked with proposing performance metrics to evaluate these services, and the composition of the MIDC is revised to increase voting members from 18 to 19, ensuring representation from various legal and community organizations, including non-attorneys.

Additionally, the bill requires indigent defense systems to submit compliance plans to the MIDC within 180 days of new standards approval, including a cost analysis. It introduces a structured payment plan for local systems that fail to comply with court orders and clarifies that violations of MIDC rules do not automatically imply ineffective assistance of counsel. The bill emphasizes the importance of financial accountability and outlines the responsibilities of the MIDC, including developing minimum standards, hiring an executive director, and establishing procedures for complaints and data collection. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance the quality and accessibility of legal representation for indigent individuals in Michigan, with the act set to take effect on October 1 following its enactment.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 780.983
As Passed by the Senate: 780.983