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Panel debates HB 116 allowing public defenders to appear remotely for routine hearings
Summary
Representative Valerie Moore opened the hearing on House Bill 116, which would set a statutory default allowing public defenders to appear remotely for defined non‑substantive hearings while preserving judicial authority to require in‑person appearances for good cause.
Representative Valerie Moore opened the hearing on House Bill 116, which would establish a statutory default permitting public defenders to appear remotely by video for routine, non‑substantive court hearings while preserving a judge’s authority to require in‑person appearance for good cause.
The sponsor said the bill aims to reduce unnecessary travel by public defenders and improve efficiency; testimony from the Office of State Public Defender (OPD) estimated 16,000 hours of travel by attorneys in fiscal 2024 and a potential fiscal saving of about $164,000 if more routine hearings move to remote appearance.
Brett Shandelson, director of the Office of State Public Defender, described remote appearances as a way to stretch limited resources. “We would prefer to be in person at every single hearing,” Shandelson said, “but in 2025 the technology is…
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