Breaking: Indigent Defense Legislation Passes Michigan House, 71-36

HB 5804, which would create the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, passed the House this morning 71-36. The bill establishes a mechanism for minimum standards for local delivery of trial counsel to indigent criminal defendants. The State Bar of Michigan has been a leading proponent of reform that incorporates 11 Principles of Public Defense, and supports HB 5804.