Committee advances bill letting contract public defenders buy into state benefits for six-month blocks

An amendment to House Bill 13-84 that would let contracted public defenders who meet a certified full-time caseload buy into the state benefits plan was adopted and the bill passed the Insurance Committee by recorded vote.

Sponsor testimony described the shortage of attorneys in rural counties and the difficulty courts face in securing appointed counsel. The bill creates a certification process by which an attorney who meets a full‑time equivalent caseload and who practices across multiple commission counties can be certified for a six‑month block and allowed to purchase state benefits for that period; the state would cover the state portion of the premium for that certified interval.

Representative Baskin (sponsor) and witnesses from the Indiana Commission on Court Appointed Attorneys said the change is intended as a narrowly targeted pilot to encourage attorneys to accept or retain public-defense work, particularly in multi-county rural circuits where many contract public defenders travel to take appointments. Andrew Cullen of the commission said many counties are legal deserts with low attorney-per-capita figures and that offering a path to benefits would help recruitment and retention.

Amy Corozas, the State Public Defender, testified that trial appointments to state public defenders have surged — trial appointments grew roughly 230% over four years — and that insurance and benefits are a significant factor in recruiting and retaining public defenders. Testimony emphasized the bill does not intend to replace county efforts where counties already provide benefits; the amendment narrows eligibility to avoid shifting costs to the state for attorneys already receiving local benefits.

In committee discussion members asked whether attorneys receive a year of benefits for a six‑month certification; sponsors said certification would be required twice annually (January and July) to maintain continuous coverage when applicable. The amendment also directs the commission to develop administrative language and a fund for program administration.

The committee adopted the amendment by consent and voted to pass the bill as amended by a recorded vote of 11-0. Committee members who recorded aye votes included Representative Campbell, Dan Chesser, Shackleford, Ross Reeves, Lehman, Barrett, Borders, Mayfield, Maguire, Ledbetter and Carbaugh. The bill will proceed to further consideration with the amendment in place.