PDSC reports allotments, unpaid invoices and caseload pressures; 6th Amendment legislation work continues

PDSC staff told the board on Jan. 28 that the corporation received January allotments but several program invoices remain unpaid, and trustees were briefed on caseload statistics and ongoing policy work.

"PDSC is operating at 89%, whereas APD is at 90%. PDSC received its January allotments for a total of $756,316," finance staff reported to the board. The report noted a separate January allotment of $72,428 for the Civil Law Center (CLC); the CLC will use general funds to cover expenses beginning in January 2025 while outstanding federal/state reimbursements are pursued.

Staff said multiple program invoices were issued but not yet paid. Invoices reported in the meeting include $30,476 for ICJR and $13,532 for STOP (a combined $44,009). A release-of-claim submitted for EGC showed a remaining balance of $16,012 outstanding for March 2024. Fiscal staff also reported invoicing the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) for October through December at $18,914 per month with no payments received and a $832.50 invoice to WizzCare that remains unpaid. Board members said staff will follow up with the governor's office on overdue program payments.

Trustees reviewed casework statistics presented by the executive office and managing attorneys. The executive office reported an active pretrial caseload of about 1,954 cases as of Jan. 21, 2025; roughly 830 of those were listed as on bench warrant, leaving the truly active caseload closer to about 1,100. The executive office said electronic monitoring packets have become the default basis for release in many cases, except for first-time offenders when own-recognizance release is commonly requested.

The Alternate Public Defender's managing attorney reported Q1 caseloads of 66 felony cases, 32 misdemeanor cases and 16 juvenile matters. APD closed 515 cases in 2024 and had 639 pretrial cases on the books at the time of the report.

The board heard program statistics for other units: the CLC reported servicing 92 clients (53 new open cases, 26 closed) in the reporting period; an elder-justice program reported 145 cases (116 open, 97 closed); and the TAC advocacy unit opened 13 new cases in the last three months. A veteran-specific program tied to WestCare reported zero reimbursements in the report because referrals must come from WestCare after eligibility screening.

On policy matters, PDSC staff said they are working with the judiciary and the 6th Amendment Center on a proposed draft of legislation. "We've met with the judiciary. We'll meet, probably one more time to finalize the current draft," the executive office said. The board discussed timing and noted the proposal may have budget implications that should be considered before the next budget cycle.

Senator Shelley Calvo's office contacted PDSC to ask whether the corporation could handle probate matters mandated under statute; staff said the senator would send a letter and the board would reevaluate if the requested services should be added to the PDSC scope. The board noted existing requirements for probate assignments in state law include income-eligibility criteria and, in some cases, three rejection letters from the private bar before assignment to public counsel, though the transcript did not cite a specific statute.

Board members welcomed a newly hired acting administrative director, Shane, and noted additional hires will bring the staff complement to full strength soon.

Trustees raised delays related to high turnover at the attorney general's office as a factor slowing case resolution times and said they would continue to monitor caseload closure rates and follow up on overdue payments.

No formal board action was taken on the financial or caseload reports; staff were directed to continue follow-up on outstanding invoices and to await the senator's letter regarding probate services.