Bill > SB172

This bill amends Title 29 of the Delaware Code to ensure that compensation for Assistant Public Defenders is comparable to that of Deputy Attorneys General. Specifically, the bill adds a new subsection to Section 4603 requiring that Assistant Public Defenders appointed by the Chief Defender receive compensation at least equal to Deputy Attorneys General. This provision aligns with the American Bar Association's principles for public defense, which recommend that public defenders' salaries and benefits should be equivalent to those of prosecutors. The bill builds upon existing law that allows the Chief Defender to appoint assistant attorneys and set their compensation, but now explicitly mandates salary parity. The change codifies a longstanding practice in Delaware and aims to support equal justice by ensuring that public defense attorneys are competitively compensated. The bill maintains other existing provisions, such as restrictions on private practice for salaried attorneys in the Office of Defense Services.

Government Affairs

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142419