Signed by Governor Tina Kotek

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes the Oregon Public Defense Commission within the state Judicial Branch.

Highlights:

• Establishes the makeup and appointment process for the commission (Sec. 2). 

• Establishes the duties of the commission including appointing an executive director (Sec. 2). 

• Establishes one of the commission's goals is to ensure all public defense provider contracts provide for compensation that is commensurate with the character of service performed (Sec. 3). 

• Requires the commission to set statewide policies and guidelines for public defender’s best practices (Sec. 3). 

• Requires the commission set legal education requirements and be organized to best systematically review public defenders credentials (Sec. 3).

• Establish an external advisory group to assist in developing the standard operating expectations for persons and entities providing public defense services (Sec. 3). 

• Requires The Oregon Department of Administrative Services to issue state

• public defense population forecasts (Sec. 7). 

• Repeals the previously established The Public Defense Services Commission and transfers all powers to the Oregon Public Defense Commission (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes the Oregon Public Defense Commission within the state Judicial Branch.

Highlights:

• Establishes the makeup and appointment process for the commission (Sec. 2). 

• Establishes the duties of the commission including appointing an executive director (Sec. 2). 

• Establishes one of the commission's goals is to ensure all public defense provider contracts provide for compensation that is commensurate with the character of service performed (Sec. 3). 

• Requires the commission to set statewide policies and guidelines for public defender’s best practices (Sec. 3). 

• Requires the commission set legal education requirements and be organized to best systematically review public defenders credentials (Sec. 3).

• Establish an external advisory group to assist in developing the standard operating expectations for persons and entities providing public defense services (Sec. 3). 

• Requires The Oregon Department of Administrative Services to issue state

• public defense population forecasts (Sec. 7). 

• Repeals the previously established The Public Defense Services Commission and transfers all powers to the Oregon Public Defense Commission (Sec. 7).

Full Bill Text