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Ranking member urges full funding for private‑attorney panel after Public Defender Service says request is undercounted
Summary
The Public Defender Service Corporation told senators the private‑attorney panel (PAP) is underfunded in the substitute FY2026 budget; senators said the bill's $168,000 appropriation covers roughly 10% of an estimated $1.5 million annual need and announced an amendment.
Legislators and oversight chairs pressed budget staff and Judiciary representatives after the Public Defender Service Corporation said the substitute FY2026 budget underfunds the private‑attorney panel (PAP), which provides court‑appointed counsel when the public defender cannot represent a client.
Attorney Stephen Hatori, director of the Public Defender Service Corporation, said the PAP cannot remain under the judiciary without adequate independent funding…
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