19-863A. CAPITAL CRIMES DEFENSE FUND AUTHORIZED. (1) The establishment of a capital crimes defense fund by the counties of the state for purposes of funding the costs of criminal defense in cases where the penalty of death is a legal possibility is hereby authorized. The fund shall be organized and operated in accordance with a joint powers agreement, as authorized by chapter 23, title 67, Idaho Code, executed by the participating counties. Membership in the fund shall be voluntary, as determined by resolution of the board of county commissioners of the respective counties of the state.

(2) The fund may be comprised of contributions from participating counties and any court fees or other funds designated or appropriated for deposit in the fund by the legislature.

(3) The fund shall be operated and administered by a board of representatives to be selected as provided in the joint powers agreement. If moneys are appropriated to the fund by the legislature, the governor shall appoint a representative of the executive branch of state government to serve as a voting member of the governing board, and if court fees are designated for deposit in the fund, the Idaho supreme court shall appoint a representative of the judicial branch of state government to serve as a voting member of the board.

(4) The governing board of the fund shall have full authority to employ personnel and contract for personal and professional services as necessary and may take all other steps necessary or proper to determine the manner in which the fund shall be utilized to assist participating counties in meeting defense costs associated with representation of indigent defendants charged with crimes for which the penalty of death is a legal possibility.

(5) The services of the state appellate public defender as provided in section 19-870, Idaho Code, shall be available only to those counties participating in the fund.

History:

[19-863A, added 1998, ch. 389, sec. 1, p. 1190.]