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Bill to relax public-defender residency requirements draws support from Marion County defenders

Senate Corrections and Criminal Law · February 3, 2026
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Summary

House Bill 10-25 would remove most county- or city-imposed residency restrictions on public defenders, allowing contiguous-county residency; Marion County officials and the Commission on Court Appointed Attorneys said the rule hinders recruitment and retention and that Marion County has received significant state funding for its public-defender office.

Lawmakers heard House Bill 10-25, which would remove local residency requirements for public defenders while allowing an exception for contiguous counties. Supporters said the change would help recruitment and retention, particularly in Marion County.

Andrew Cohen of the Commission on Court Appointed Attorneys said counties that follow the Commission's standards receive state…

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