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Public defenders outline budget needs, parental‑representation expansion and reentry work
Summary
The Office of Defense Services told the Joint Finance Committee it needs funding for technology, leases and staffing tied to expansion of a parental‑representation unit, evidence‑storage costs from body‑worn cameras and additional client‑services capacity for reentry and second‑chance work.
The Office of Defense Services (ODS) presented its fiscal 2026 budget requests to the Joint Finance Committee, highlighting operational needs tied to technology, leases and a phased expansion of a parental‑representation unit created by recent legislation.
Chief Defender Kevin O'Connell opened the presentation by describing the office’s client‑centered mission and the mix of services ODS provides statewide, from intake through post‑disposition work. “Client‑centered collaborative defense” was the framing O'Connell used to describe the office’s approach, emphasizing holistic services that address the legal case and collateral issues such as housing, benefits and reentry planning.
ODS said its base budget includes roughly 87 general‑fund positions…
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