PUBLIC DEFENSE – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the Office of the State Public Defender and indigent public defense in this state.

Idaho's S 1181 revises public defense laws to clarify when the State Public Defender must provide services for indigent defendants. Key changes include requiring the State Public Defender to limit services to specific cases (per Section 19-6009), mandating a statewide plan to transition county-run offices to state-owned facilities by 2029 (Section 1), and adjusting transcript fees for indigent defendants (Section 1-1105). The bill directly affects indigent defendants, the State Public Defender’s office, and county public defense systems by restructuring service eligibility and funding requirements. It was signed into law on April 14, 2025, and takes effect July 1, 2025.