Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to enhance the services provided by the Office of the State Public Defender by establishing specific units for family defense and child representation. The bill directs the director of the office to limit reliance on contract attorneys and collaborate with the Department of Public Health and Human Services to maximize federal resources. Additionally, it amends Section 47-1-105 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to include the establishment of up to two trial units for parents, guardians, and legal custodians, as well as a trial unit for children, each requiring a managing attorney.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the director's responsibilities in setting qualifications, duties, and compensation for various division administrators within the public defender system. It emphasizes the need for statewide standards for attorney qualifications and training, particularly for those representing children in abuse and neglect cases. The bill also mandates the creation of 21 new staff positions within the Office of the State Public Defender, with a phased implementation over two fiscal years, and establishes an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 47-1-105
SB0151_1(1): 47-1-105
SB0151_1(2): 47-1-105
SB0151_1(3): 47-1-105
SB0151_1(4): 47-1-105
SB0151_1(5): 47-1-105
SB0151_1(6): 47-1-105
SB0151_1(7): 47-1-105
SB0151_1(8): 47-1-105
SB0151_1(9): 47-1-105
SB0151_1: 47-1-105
SB0151_2(1): 47-1-105
SB0151_2(10): 47-1-105
SB0151_2(11): 47-1-105
SB0151_2(12): 47-1-105
SB0151_2(13): 47-1-105
SB0151_2(14): 47-1-105
SB0151_2(15): 47-1-105
SB0151_2(2): 47-1-105
SB0151_2(3): 47-1-105
SB0151_2(4): 47-1-105
SB0151_2(5): 47-1-105
SB0151_2(6): 47-1-105
SB0151_2(7): 47-1-105
SB0151_2(8): 47-1-105
SB0151_2(9): 47-1-105
SB0151_2: 47-1-105
SB0151_3(1): 47-1-105
SB0151_3(2): 47-1-105
SB0151_3(3): 47-1-105
SB0151_3(4): 47-1-105
SB0151_3(5): 47-1-105
SB0151_3(6): 47-1-105
SB0151_3(7): 47-1-105
SB0151_3(8): 47-1-105
SB0151_3(9): 47-1-105
SB0151_3: 47-1-105