HB3363: STATE PUBLIC DEFENDER

Legislative Summary

Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with changes. In the State Public Defender Act, provides that the State Public Defender may ensure access to a digital discovery storage management system, case management software, and legal research subscriptions for each public defender office, taking into consideration compatibility with existing county and State-based systems. Provides that the State Public Defender shall collaborate with other court stakeholders to advocate for adequate funding of court systems. Provides that within the first year of the initial State Public Defender's term, the State Public Defender shall initiate a survey to determine the number of employees and contractors providing public defense services in the state and the types and numbers of matters they are handling. Changes the process for the selection of the Chief County Public Defender. Establishes additional duties for the State Public Defender and the State Public Defender Commission. Makes other changes. Amends the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Act. Provides that the State Public Defender Commission shall identify and implement a system of performance metrics to assess the provision of indigent defense services in the State relative to the standards established by the Commission under the State Public Defender Act and national standards and benchmarks to ensure the State of Illinois complies with its obligations under the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Amends various other Acts to make conforming changes. Adds an immediate effective date to the bill.