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Minutes for HB2351 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Increasing the maximum rate paid to appointed counsel for an indigent person.
Minutes Content for Mon, Feb 13, 2023
Chairperson Patton opened the hearing on HB2351. Natalie Scott (Attachment 1) provided an explanation of her Bill Brief.
Proponent
Heather Cessna (Attachment 2) stated maintaining robust assigned counsel panels with experienced attorneys serving their indigent clients is essential to the Kansas state mandate to appropriately administer these services to the people of Kansas. Ms. Cessna explained an amendment outlined in her testimony. She offered her services to assist in drafting the appropriate language. Ms. Cessna stood for questions.
Joseph Molina (Attachment 3) explained the Kansas Bar Association (KBA) appreciates this committee providing time to hear from Heather Cessna, Executive Director of BIDS. Mrs. Cessna previously met with the KBA to express her concern that the Kansas public defense system is suffering from high caseloads, staff shortages and limited resources. She shared with the KBA their request to confront these issues. The KBA supports the efforts by Kansas Board of Indigent Defense Services to improve their offices and services to Kansans. Mr. Molina stood for questions.
Chairperson Patton closed the hearing on HB2351.
