The South Dakota Office of Indigent Legal Services announced changes to the distribution of $3 million allocated for indigent legal services across the state's counties. This adjustment followed revisions submitted by four counties regarding their initial expenditure figures.
Earlier this year, the South Dakota Legislature approved a $3 million appropriation to assist counties with the costs associated with indigent legal services. The funds were distributed based on each county's reported expenses related to indigent defense, ensuring equitable allocation.
In collaboration with the South Dakota State Treasurer, data was collected concerning expenditures on court-appointed attorneys, public defender offices, and representation for abused and neglected children. Each county certified these expenses for fiscal year 2024, which ran from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. The distribution maintained consistent percentage ratios to ensure fairness.
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System managed and executed the fund distribution on behalf of the Commission on Indigent Legal Services. This process was conducted in accordance with HB 1057 and aligned with existing procedures under South Dakota Codified Law sections 23A-40-20 and SDCL 26-8A-19.