Makes FY2024 supplemental appropriation of $750,000 providing for additional attorneys dedicated to juvenile matters.
Impact
The increasing number of youth being held in custody, which rose from 277 in 2022 to 339 as of April 2024, underlines the necessity for enhanced legal defense services. Additionally, this bill responds to the OPD's concerns about a projected 25-30 percent increase in juvenile defense caseloads in the coming fiscal year. By funding eight additional attorneys dedicated to juvenile cases, the bill aims to support effective legal representation during crucial post-dispositional work, acknowledging that many juvenile defendants will soon transition into adult society.
Summary
Assembly Bill A4481 proposes a supplemental appropriation of $750,000 in fiscal year 2024 to provide funding for additional attorneys in the Office of the Public Defender's (OPD) Trial Services for Indigents program. This funding is aimed specifically at enhancing legal representation for juveniles, particularly in regions with high juvenile caseloads, like Essex and Atlantic counties. The bill emphasizes addressing an urgent need for legal support as youth custodial sentences have been on the rise, reflecting a growing demand for legal services in juvenile matters.
Contention
Significant attention is given to the growing length of juvenile custodial sentences, with reports indicating a 359 percent increase in Atlantic County from 2022 to 2024. This presents not only a challenge in terms of resource allocation for legal representation but also raises questions about the broader implications for juvenile justice policies. As the OPD recently had their mandate expanded to include representation of juvenile defendants under P.L.2021, c.383, this funding will be crucial in ensuring these young individuals receive appropriate legal support while navigating a complex judicial system.
Makes FY2024 supplemental appropriations of $37,430,000; de-appropriates $24,000,000 in existing FY2024 appropriations; adds and modifies various FY2024 language provisions.
Makes FY2024 supplemental appropriations of $37,430,000; de-appropriates $24,000,000 in existing FY2024 appropriations; adds and modifies various FY2024 language provisions.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.