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Indigent appellate defense bill passes after debate over scope and government expansion
Summary
Senate Bill 139, creating an indigent appellate defense office for smaller counties, passed the House after extended debate about whether it expands state obligations into civil matters; supporters cited constitutional obligations and case law, opponents warned it would "grow government." Final House tally: 47-23.
The Utah House passed Senate Bill 139 on March 10 after extended floor debate about the scope and future growth of indigent defense services. Sponsor Representative Ferri described the bill as creating an indigent appellate defense division under the Office of Indigent Defense Services to provide appellate representation for Utahs smaller (third- through sixth-class) counties, noting that many of those counties lack appellate representation.
Opponents argued the bill expands state responsibility beyond…
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