LC 1518 Legislature · 2025 Regular Session

Generally revise the proceedings in which a public defender may be assigned

This bill updates Montana's public defender system by clarifying when courts can assign legal representation at public expense, particularly in cases involving parents in termination of parental rights proceedings. It authorizes courts to assign public defenders to serve as members of treatment court teams and expands the list of situations where counsel must be provided regardless of a person's financial ability, including certain juvenile and mental health commitment cases. The legislation also maintains restrictions on public defenders acting as court-appointed special advocates in youth court and abuse proceedings, while allowing contracted private attorneys to fill those roles under specific conditions. These changes aim to streamline how public defender services are assigned and delivered across the state's courts.
Bill status introduced 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Nov 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Nov 16, 2024 Last action Dec 10, 2024
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