The bill amends the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act to improve legal representation for indigent defendants in both criminal and juvenile cases. It introduces new definitions, such as "youth" for individuals under 18, and expands the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) from 18 to 19 voting members. The MIDC is tasked with proposing minimum standards for indigent defense services that comply with constitutional requirements, and the bill emphasizes the importance of effective assistance of counsel. It also establishes a process for public hearings and reviews of these standards to ensure transparency and accountability.

Significant changes include the redefinition of "indigent" to focus on financial hardship, the inclusion of youth in indigent defense services, and the election of the MIDC chairperson by its members rather than appointment by the governor. The bill mandates that each indigent defense system submit a compliance plan to the MIDC within 180 days of new standards approval, with a review process for these plans. It removes the term "criminal" from references to indigent defense systems, broadening the scope of services, and establishes a structured payment plan for non-compliance. Additionally, it clarifies that violations of MIDC rules do not automatically imply ineffective assistance of counsel and ensures that the act does not override existing legal precedents regarding the right to effective counsel. The amendments are set to take effect on October 1 following enactment.

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