Nashville, Tenn – The Tennessee Supreme Court and the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) have acknowledged the Tennessee General Assembly's approval of an amended budget. This budget includes $13 million in recurring funding and $4 million in non-recurring startup funds designated for a new Indigent Representation Plan.
The appropriation, totaling $17 million, along with the establishment of 14 new positions, is aimed at improving the retention and compensation of appointed counsel. The plan seeks to enhance the delivery of indigent services across Tennessee.
“This funding puts us in a financial position to take a transformational step forward to safeguard the fair and impartial administration of justice in Tennessee,” stated Chief Justice Holly Kirby. She emphasized the collaborative effort involved in developing a system to provide representation to those unable to afford counsel, expressing gratitude towards legislative leaders, the Governor’s Office, legal professionals across the state, and the Tennessee Bar Association.
AOC Director Michelle Long commented on the development process, saying, “During last year’s effort to increase the attorney compensation, the AOC was encouraged to consider other alternatives.” She cited research into how other states manage indigent representation services and discussions with various stakeholders as influential in the formulation of the new plan.
Funding for the plan is expected to enhance management and oversight to ensure qualified representation through a dedicated Office, which will be overseen by a Commission established by the Supreme Court. According to Fiscal Year 2023 data, the new Office anticipates managing approximately 76,000 cases annually.