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House approves indigent‑defense amendments to set judicial review framework for county funding
Summary
House Bill 510 passed unanimously 68–0 to clarify when counties must provide defense resources to indigent defendants and to align the statute with current U.S. Supreme Court standards, while creating a judge‑supervised process and protections for taxpayer oversight.
The Utah House unanimously approved a first substitute to House Bill 510 on Feb. 28 aimed at clarifying when indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel and how counties may provide defense resources.
Representative Hughes, the sponsor, described a technical amendment that replaces wording to conform the statute with current United States Supreme Court standards and said the bill confirms counties' duty to provide complete defense counsel while setting procedures for judicial review when private counsel cannot continue.
The bill requires a judge to conduct a hearing, review defense contracts in camera, and find by clear and convincing evidence that a defendant has expended resources before a county may be required to provide additional defense resources; sponsors said the framework protects constitutional guarantees while setting guardrails on open‑ended county liability.
Members asked about cost implications and whether state funding is needed; Representative Hughes and others said the bill creates a process intended to protect taxpayers and provide for judicial oversight. The House passed the bill by a recorded vote of 68 yes, 0 no; it will be transmitted to the Senate.
Next steps: The bill will be sent to the Senate for consideration.
