New Oregon Public Defense Services Commission Goes into Effect

October 1, 2001 - On August 15, 2001, Governor John A. Kitzhaber, MD, signaled a change to the framework for providing indigent defense services in Oregon by signing into law Senate Bill 145, which creates the Public Defense Services Commission (PDSC). The PDSC is required to establish an office of public defense services. The Commission, whose seven members are appointed by the Chief Justice, will serve as the governing body for the office which will replace the current State Public Defender's office and will eventually (October 1, 2003) assume all duties of the current Indigent Defense Services Division (IDSD) of the State Court Administrator's Office. The Commission is an independent entity within the judicial branch, whereas the IDSD was part of the judicial department. With five of its seven members appointed by the Chief Justice, the Commission held its first meeting August 29, 2001. (Further details to be published in the next issue of The Spangenberg Report).

For more information contact tsg@spangenberggroup.com