Aside from the budget, the legislature has been busy drafting and introducing new legislation. Here are just a few examples of bills that have been introduced so far this session. Senate Bill 40 – essentially grants the powers of probation and parole agents to search the person and home of individuals on extended supervision… Read more
Adam Plotkin
On February 20, the Governor introduced his proposal for the 2013-2015 biennial budget. The items specific to the State Public Defender agency are a positive first step in the process. Here is a brief list of those major provisions: 1. Pay Progression for ASPDs The system is similar in structure to the bill that was… Read more
As the legislature is still in the process of winding up for session, there is currently more anticipation than legislation. Only a few bills affecting the criminal justice system have been discussed at this point. Probably most notable is a proposal that would criminalize most, if not all, first offense operating while intoxicated penalties. Aside… Read more
Here is an update on the most recent activity of the three Legislative Council study committees on which the SPD has members. The week before Thanksgiving, all three committees met to review 24 either brand new or revised bill drafts which were released at the end of the week before. Special Committee on the Supervised… Read more
The Legislative Council study committees I mentioned in July are beginning to work on draft legislation that will be forwarded to the Legislature for its consideration early next year. Most of the legislation affects the SPD or our clients, but two drafts are particularly noteworthy at this point. First, WLC 0010/1, being considered by the… Read more
On September 17, state agency budget requests for the 2013-2015 biennium were submitted to the Department of Administration for review prior to the introduction of the budget bill by the Governor in February 2013. While not all agency proposals will be included in the Governor’s budget, the requests give an indication of agency priorities during… Read more
The SPD is nearing completion of the agency’s 2013-2015 biennial budget proposal. This means that after what seems like all too short a time, talk of new legislation will soon begin. The SPD has already been contacted by legislators seeking input on bill drafts that may be offered next session. These contacts have mostly been… Read more
In the summer of even numbered years the Legislature establishes Interim Study Committees made up of legislators and members of the public who have experience in the field of the committee. The topics are suggested by members of the Legislature and approved by the Joint Legislative Council. There are three committees dealing with different areas… Read more
