This bill appropriates funds for the commission on legal counsel for indigents for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. It includes a total appropriation of $27,153,882, which consists of base level enhancements and funds for new and vacant full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. Specifically, the bill allocates $26,599,125 for the commission and establishes a new and vacant FTE pool with an appropriation of $554,757. Additionally, it specifies that the commission cannot spend funds from the new and vacant FTE pool without a transfer request to the office of management and budget.

Furthermore, the bill creates a new subsection in the North Dakota Century Code that pertains to attorneys employed by the commission on legal counsel for indigents. It also mandates a legislative management study during the 2025-26 interim to explore the potential establishment of the North Dakota public defenders office as an administrative agency under the commission's authority. The findings and recommendations from this study are to be reported to the seventieth legislative assembly, along with any necessary legislation for implementation.