Counties want state to be in charge of public defenders

County commissioners around Idaho think it’s time for the state to be in charge of the public defender system.

Earlier this month, about 200 representatives voted on a resolution at the annual Idaho County Association conference. Under the proposal, the state would control and fund the system. It would also create statewide standards on training and overseeing contracts.

Right now, counties are responsible for paying public defenders.

Roger Christensen, the chairman of the Bonneville County Commission, said the county may need to increase staff because of new regulations mandated by the state.

“The state is looking at changing the requirements in response to the pressure from the federal government and the ACLU to make sure there is an adequate amount of public defense, and when they change those standards it’s going to increase the cost dramatically,” he said.

Lawmakers will look at the resolution when they convene in January for the 2015 Legislature.