Bill > SB0171

This bill establishes a Youth Defense Fund to support indigent defense services for minors in juvenile court. The fund will be a custodial account managed by the state treasurer, comprised of contributions from participating counties, legislative appropriations, and investment earnings. Counties can voluntarily join the fund by adopting a resolution and submitting an application to the commission, with an annual contribution required by January 15th each year. The fund will be used to pay for indigent defense service providers representing minors in juvenile court, including attorney compensation, necessary defense resources, and fund management costs. The office overseeing the fund will be responsible for screening county applications, calculating county contributions, approving fund disbursements, and potentially contracting with qualified attorneys or entities to provide indigent defense services. If the fund experiences a deficit in a calendar year, the state is responsible for covering the shortfall and may request a supplemental appropriation from the Legislature. Counties that fail to pay assessments or withdraw from the fund will forfeit previously paid contributions and rights to fund benefits. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025, and aims to ensure constitutionally effective legal representation for juveniles in the court system.

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https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/SB0171.html