Senator Bruce Caswell (R-Hillsdale) and
Representative Tom McMillin (R-Rochester), both members of Governor Rick
Snyder’s advisory commission on indigent defense, led a workgroup that
ultimately resulted in one of the most swiftly-passed and bipartisan-supported
packages of legislation in 2013. The package provides for significant reforms
to the indigent defense system that provides legal representation to
individuals charged with crimes; however, unable to afford an attorney of their
own.
House
Bill 4529 and Senate
Bill 301, now Public Acts 93 and 94, respectively, are the results of
weekly meetings for three months and failed attempts at similar initiatives in
2009-2010 and 2011-2012 sessions.
A key component that resulted in buy-in from
diverse interests from the Michigan Association of Counties to the American
Civil Liberties Union was the decision to maintain the locally-run system, as
opposed to a state-level controlled system as was debated.
Further, putting to rest more concerns, was
the Legislature’s move to fund the changes which include the development of a
gubernatorial appointed Indigent Defense Commission. The Commission will then
hire an executive director, hold hearings and develop standards subject to
Supreme Court approval.