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Public defenders tell Judiciary Committee state offices are understaffed, request more positions and technology funding
Summary
The Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference told the Senate Judiciary Committee it is lean (91% of funds go to payroll), lacks attorneys across districts and requested new positions, pay adjustments for Shelby County, and funding for an AI transcription platform; committee voted to send the request to finance.
The Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Feb. 25 that statewide public defense is operating with a heavy workload, limited non‑payline budget items and a need for additional positions and pay parity in some urban districts.
"It's 91% salary and benefits," Patrick Froge, the conference's executive director, said of the statewide budget he presented. He said the conference has a lean non‑payroll budget and that most of the funding is devoted to personnel costs. Froge said the conference receives some revenue from a county court filing fee option and that Shelby and Davidson counties also provide county funding for their…
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