Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to enhance the services provided by the Office of the State Public Defender by directing the establishment of units specifically for family defense and child representation. The bill amends Section 47-1-105 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to include provisions for the creation of up to two organizational trial units to provide legal counsel to parents, guardians, and legal custodians, as well as one unit dedicated to representing children. Each unit must include a managing attorney, and the bill emphasizes limiting reliance on contract attorneys while collaborating with the Department of Public Health and Human Services to maximize federal resources.

Additionally, the bill outlines the director's responsibilities in establishing qualifications, duties, and compensation for various division administrators within the public defender system. It mandates the creation of 21 new staff positions over two fiscal years, with specific timelines for hiring. The effective date for the implementation of this act is set for July 1, 2025. The bill also includes a saving clause to ensure that existing rights and duties are not affected by the new provisions.

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(10): 47-1-105
SB0151_3(11): 47-1-105
SB0151_3(12): 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