SB31 creates a new fund dedicated to paying for legal representation of poor people in criminal and civil cases, and sets up ongoing money to support it. The bill eliminates several old provisions related to how the state previously funded indigent legal services and restructures the system under new rules. This ensures South Dakota has a more stable, dedicated funding stream for public defenders and court-appointed lawyers representing people who cannot afford their own attorneys.
Committee on Appropriations Tabled Passed, YEAS 10, NAYS 7.
Committee on Appropriations Scheduled for hearing
First read in Senate and referred to Joint Committee on Appropriations S.J. 16
Jim Bolin
Prime sponsor · Sen.
R
Kirk Chaffee
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Cosponsors
Committee on Appropriations — Tabled