This bill seeks to reform the public defender system in Minnesota by eliminating the requirement for defendants to make co-payments for public defender services and repealing the ad hoc Board of Public Defense. It amends various sections of the Minnesota Statutes to remove the mandated co-payments and the establishment of an ad hoc board for appointing district public defenders. The bill also clarifies that the court is solely responsible for determining a defendant's financial eligibility for public defender representation, thereby ensuring that financial barriers do not impede access to legal assistance.

Furthermore, the bill revises the structure and responsibilities of the State Board of Public Defense, including the appointment process for chief district public defenders and oversight of public defender offices. It establishes that district public defenders and their employees, except in the Second and Fourth Judicial Districts, are state employees governed by the personnel rules of the State Board of Public Defense. The bill also modifies the budget submission process for chief district public defenders, places the financial responsibility for appointed counsel for indigent inmates in state correctional facilities on the State Board, and increases the maximum reimbursement for attorney fees and costs associated with appeals from $5,000 to $10,000, unless a higher amount is certified as necessary. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public defense system in Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 611.17, 611.215, 611.24, 611.26, 611.263, 611.265, 611.27