PUBLIC DEFENDER: Provides relative to the Louisiana Public Defender Fund. (8/1/26) (OR -$158 GF EX See Note)

SB 316 amends Louisiana law to establish clear funding rules for the state's Public Defender Fund, directly affecting public defender offices across all judicial districts. The bill sets a minimum annual deposit amount calculated by multiplying district attorney warrants by a specific value (including retirement benefits) plus a $15,000 supplement per warrant. It mandates that at least 75% of the fund must be allocated each year to district public defender offices and indigent defender funds, while allowing the state public defender to distribute remaining funds for supplemental assistance. The law ensures funds are used exclusively for implementing the Louisiana Public Defender Act and related programs.