HB 221 - PUBLIC DEFENDER APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES
1:07:17 PM
VICE CHAIR THOMPSON announced that the first order of business
would be HOUSE BILL NO. 221, "An Act relating to the appointment
of counsel for persons accused of crimes; and amending Rule
39.1, Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure."
VICE CHAIR THOMPSON mentioned that members' packets now include
a fiscal note from the Alaska Court System (ACS).
The committee took an at-ease from 1:09 p.m. to 1:11 p.m.
VICE CHAIR THOMPSON noted that public testimony on HB 221 had
been closed during the bill's previous hearing.
1:12:27 PM
NANCY MEADE, General Counsel, Administrative Staff, Office of
the Administrative Director, Alaska Court System (ACS), in
response to questions, explained that the ACS has submitted a
substantial fiscal note for HB 221, detailing the estimated
costs associated with requiring all who seek court-appointed
legal representation to complete a signed sworn financial
statement, with most of the estimate reflecting costs associated
with the additional ACS personnel that would be needed to assist
everyone with the required forms. She then spoke about the
process currently undertaken by those who are not presumptively
eligible for court-appointed legal representation, highlighting
the fact that if this process must be undertaken by everyone, it
would constitute quite a change in the ACS's daily operations.
She also mentioned that logistical issues would arise, such as
when several defendants from various cases come before the court
handcuffed together. The ACS's fiscal note also reflects the
estimated cost of providing interpreter services during this
phase of the process, and the estimated cost of translating the
necessary forms into languages other than English.
MS. MEADE, in response to questions, pointed out that if HB 221
becomes law, the ACS must arrange to have the necessary
personnel, equipment, and procedures in place, and thus the
bill's fiscal impact wouldn't necessarily change as a result of
adding a specific effective date. She agreed to research the
issue further, though.
1:19:05 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PRUITT moved to report HB 221 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, HB 221 was reported from the
House Judiciary Standing Committee.