Lawmakers, DAs and defense groups clash over consortia sunset, OPDC independence during HB 2614 hearing

The House Committee on Judiciary opened public testimony on HB 2614 on March 5, confronting sharply different views over whether the legislature should extend or eliminate a scheduled sunset of public-defense consortia, and whether the Oregon Public Defense Commission should remain independent of executive control.

Representative Jason Prop (R-Bend) and several other legislators said the immediate priority is ensuring representation for defendants and stabilizing the workforce; some asked for clearer, shorter-term steps. "Our task is to figure out what our long term vision is for public defense and what the short term solutions are for the crisis that we're in," Prop told the committee.

Why it matters: HB 2614 would shape which provider models the state supports going forward. Proponents of consortia and private firms say those models are cost-effective and deliverable in rural areas; opponents and some reform advocates argue the state must build more state-controlled trial-division capacity and preserve an independent commission to protect zealous representation.

Positions presented to the committee

- Support for extending or…