The South Dakota Commission on Indigent Legal Services is set to convene for its inaugural meeting on May 16, 2024. The gathering will take place at the Minnehaha County Courthouse in Sioux Falls from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT.
This commission was established by HB 1057 during the 2024 session of the South Dakota Legislature. Its purpose is to oversee indigent legal services within the state's court system, where there is a right to counsel under state or federal law. Additionally, it will supervise the newly formed Office of Indigent Legal Services, which aims to provide statewide representation in cases involving criminal appeals, habeas corpus petitions, and child abuse or neglect.
The agenda for this initial meeting includes discussions on various topics such as the commission's statutory responsibilities, organizational structure, county reimbursement fund overview, and insights into national indigent defense practices. The Sixth Amendment Center's study on county-level defense will also be reviewed. For those interested in more details about the agenda, it can be accessed online.
The commission consists of nine members: three appointed by the Governor, three by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, one by the president pro tempore of the Senate, one by the speaker of the House, and one by the executive director of the South Dakota Association of County Commissioners.
Individuals requiring assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act are encouraged to contact State Court Administration at least 48 hours before the meeting to arrange necessary accommodations.