For Immediate Release: March 30, 2023

Contact: Jessica Ann, 573-751-5282 

Senator Lauren Arthur’s Public Defender Fund Bill Passes Senate

JEFFERSON CITY – State Sen. Lauren Arthur announces her legislation to create a “Public Defender – Federal and Other Fund” in the Missouri treasury was passed by the Senate on March 30. Under Senate Bill 245, funds allocated to the Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) will be deposited in a designated fund, instead of general revenue.

“The MSPD provides defender services to some of our state’s most vulnerable people, and yet, it has been grossly underfunded and overworked for too long,” said Sen. Arthur. “Safeguarding funding in an established pool will greatly help this office recruit and retain attorneys, manage excessive caseloads and provide better representation to low-income individuals.”

Senate Bill 245 also repeals a current law and prohibits judges from placing cases on waiting lists due to MSPD’s caseloads and its inability to provide effective assistance of counsel.

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