Provides funding for the public defense backup center of the New York State Defenders Association

1 Co-sponsor

• Jack M. Martins

BILL NUMBER:S1672A

Title of bill

An act to amend the state finance law, in relation to providing funds for the public defense backup center of the New York State Defenders Association; and to amend section 3 of part W of chapter 55 of the laws of 2012 amending the state finance law relating to support for the public defense backup center, in relation to making such provisions permanent

Purpose

To provide for funding under the indigent legal services fund for the New York State Defenders Association.

Summary of specific provisions

Amends section 98-b of the State Finance Law to include services and expenses of the public defense backup center of the New York State Defenders Association. Further allocates $3 million to be made available for the public defense backup center of the New York State Defenders Association.

Justification

The New York State Defenders Association through their public defense backup center provides important legal services for those needing legal defense. As there is no dedicated funding for this program each year this program must worry about its sustainability due to the possibility of a lack of state funds. Further by including this under the Indigent Legal Services Fund, the program finds a statutory home that is germane to their core mission.

Prior legislative history

S 5143C introduced to Senate Finance Committee

Fiscal implications

None. As Money is already appropriate for this program in the budget.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.