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Minutes for HB2363 - Committee on Transportation and Public Safety Budget
Short Title
Authorizing the appointed counsel rate paid by the board of indigents' defense services to be higher than $80 per hour.
Minutes Content for Mon, Mar 22, 2021
Chairman Francis opened the hearing on HB2363 (Attachment 5).
Staff Revisor Chris Waggoner briefed the Committee on HB2363 .
Some discussion ensued.
Representative Resman requested clarification regarding the current rate of BIDS hourly pay. Revisor Waggoner provided clarity by explaining the two situations in which hourly public defender pay is determined.
Representative Delperdang asked for a chart or grid showing typical private attorney rates in Kansas. Revisor Waggoner suggested $225 an hour is the average private hourly rate and deferred to proponents for details.
Representative Esau asked if the Committee already approved what HB2363 would cost. Chairman Francis explained he proposed a budget proviso in Appropriations for $100.
There were multiple proponents of the Bill. Heather Cessna (Attachment 1) testified in-person and provided historical context for the Bill. Joseph Molina of the Kansas Bar Association also testified in person in favor of the Bill (Attachment 2). Kate Zigtema of the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Attachment 3) and Hon. Merlin Wheeler (Attachment 4) provided written testimony in support of HB2363. There was no opposing or neutral testimony.
Chairman Francis closed the hearing and adjourned the Committee at 4:30.
