This bill amends West Virginia Code §29-21-8 to expand the authority of the executive director of public defender services regarding the creation, merger, or dissolution of public defender corporations. The new language allows the executive director, with the approval of the Indigent Defense Commission, to authorize these actions when they would improve the quality and availability of legal representation, address conflicts of interest, ensure prudent expenditure of state funds, and further the purposes of the article. Additionally, the bill mandates that if a public defender corporation employs six or more assistant public defenders, it must be split into two separate and independent corporations governed by the same board of directors.

The bill also requires that prior to any creation, merger, or dissolution of a public defender corporation, the Indigent Defense Commission must provide a report to the Legislature for approval. This change aims to enhance the structure and efficiency of public defender services in West Virginia, ensuring that legal representation is adequately managed and responsive to the needs of the judicial circuits.