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WV HB4405

WV HB4405
Expanding the reasons that an executive director may create, merge, or dissolve a public defender corporation


summary

Introduced
01/16/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

The purpose of this bill is to provide for the creation of a second public defender corporation when a public defender corporation employs six or more assistant public defenders inclusive of the chief public defender.

AI Summary

This bill expands the reasons an executive director can create, merge, or dissolve a public defender corporation, which are organizations that provide legal representation to individuals who cannot afford an attorney. Specifically, it mandates the creation of a second public defender corporation within a judicial circuit when an existing one employs six or more assistant public defenders, including the chief public defender, to ensure better availability and quality of legal services and to manage caseloads effectively. The new corporation will initially be governed by the same board of directors as the existing one.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Justice

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

To House Finance (on 02/12/2026)

bill text


bill summary

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