Minnesota House passes bill to increase funding for state's public defenders

(St. Paul, MN) -- Minnesota legislators unanimously passed a bill that would benefit the state's public defenders. 

The Minnesota House of Representatives passed HF 90, a bill that would directly increase funding for the state's public defense system. The bill passed unanimously in the House, and is expected to help Minnesota's public defenders tackle an ever growing caseload within the state.

“The funding this bill provides will ensure Minnesota meets its Constitutional obligation to provide justice for all,” said Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn (DFL - Roseville), the House Judiciary Committee chair and bill author. “This necessary funding is not a luxury, but is the least we can do to provide Minnesotans the rights they are entitled to.”

HF 90 will provide up to $95.6 million spread between FY2024-2025 to the Minnesota Board of Public Defense. Supporters of the bill say the public defense system in the state has been underfunded for decades, and allows Minnesota's public defenders to provide "fair salaries for public defense staff." You can read more about HF 90 by clicking here.