Ways and Means endorses Public Defense Commission budget to address unrepresented‑defendant crisis

The Joint Committee on Ways and Means on June 13 recommended House Bill 50‑31, the Public Defense Commission budget bill, be reported out to the full committee as amended. The subcommittee package funds expanded public defense capacity in response to unrepresented‑defendant caseload forecasts and includes reporting conditions tied to additional scheduled funding.

The Public Defense Commission recommendation was presented as a total funds budget of $707,700,000, including $681,000,000 general fund and approximately $26,700,000 in other funds, and 180 positions (179.8 FTE). The subcommittee described the budget as roughly $91,000,000 (14.8%) higher than the 2023–25 legislatively approved budget and about $61,900,000 (9.6%) higher than the 2025–27 current services level.

Funding items listed by staff include resources tied to the April 2025 public defense caseload forecast, an enhanced provider capacity pilot in six “crisis counties,” continuation of investments in law‑school programs, a dedicated position for expedited resolution and case‑docketing coordinators, and one‑time carry‑forward funding tied to a temporary hourly increase program that ends June 30, 2025. The recommendation directs the Department of Administrative Services to hold unscheduled $22,100,000 in general fund to be scheduled only after the commission submits a 2026 session report comparing budgeted and actual capacity. The subcommittee also included budget notes requiring interim status reports on capacity and outcomes of law‑school investments.

Senator Solman applauded the decision to end the temporary hourly increase program and thanked the co‑chairs for follow‑up. Other members praised continuing work with the commission and new executive leadership; Representative Evans noted progress and described the work as “a work in progress.”

The public safety subcommittee recommended House Bill 50‑31 be amended by the dash‑1 amendment and reported out to pass as amended. The committee recorded approval of that recommendation and moved the bill to the full committee for further consideration.

Motion recorded: “House Bill 50‑31 be amended by the dash‑1 amendment and be reported out to pass as amended.” Outcome: approved/passed (reported out to the full committee).