Renumbered 7/1/2026
532 words·~2 min read·
/ut/title-78b/chapter-22/7-15A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Effective 7/1/2025
Renumbered 7/1/2026
78B-22-452. Duties of the office.
(1)The office shall:
(a)establish an annual budget for the office for the Indigent Defense Resources Restricted Account created in Section 78B-22-405 ;
(b)assist the commission in performing the commission's statutory duties described in this chapter;
(c)identify and collect data that is necessary for the commission to:
(i)aid, oversee, and review compliance by indigent defense systems with the commission's core principles for the effective representation of indigent individuals; and
(ii)provide reports regarding the operation of the commission and the provision of indigent defense services by indigent defense systems in the state;
(d)assist indigent defense systems by reviewing contracts and other agreements, to ensure compliance with the commission's core principles for effective representation of indigent individuals;
(e)establish procedures for the receipt and acceptance of complaints regarding the provision of indigent defense services in the state;
(f)establish procedures to award grants to indigent defense systems under Section 78B-22-406 that are consistent with the commission's core principles;
(g)create and enter into contracts consistent with Section 78B-22-454 to provide indigent defense services for an indigent defense inmate who:
(i)is incarcerated in a state prison located in an eligible county;
(ii)is charged with having committed a crime within that state prison; and
(iii)has been appointed counsel in accordance with Section 78B-22-203 ;
(h)assist the commission in developing and reviewing advisory caseload guidelines and procedures;
(i)investigate, audit, and review the provision of indigent defense services to ensure compliance with the commission's core principles for the effective representation of indigent individuals;
(j)administer the Child Welfare Parental Representation Program in accordance with Part 8, Child Welfare Parental Representation Program;
(k)administer the Indigent Aggravated Murder Defense Fund in accordance with Part 7, Indigent Aggravated Murder Defense Fund;
(l)assign an indigent defense service provider to represent an individual prosecuted for aggravated murder in accordance with Part 7, Indigent Aggravated Murder Defense Fund;
(m)provide access for a minor to receive legal advice, at no cost, in connection with considering a nonjudicial adjustment;
(n)annually report to the governor, Legislature, Judiciary Interim Committee, and Judicial Council, regarding:
(i)the operations of the commission;
(ii)the operations of the indigent defense systems in the state; and
(iii)compliance with the commission's core principles by indigent defense systems receiving grants from the commission;
(o)submit recommendations to the commission for improving indigent defense services in the state;
(p)publish an annual report on the commission's website; and
(q)perform all other duties assigned by the commission related to indigent defense services.
(2)The office may:
(a)enter into contracts and accept, allocate, and administer funds and grants from any public or private person to accomplish the duties of the office; and
(b)employ or contract with an attorney to provide counsel, at no cost, to any minor considering a nonjudicial adjustment.
(3)Any contract entered into under this part shall require that indigent defense services are provided in a manner consistent with the commission's core principles implemented under Section 78B-22-404 .
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 291 , 2026 General Session
Amended by Chapter 217 , 2025 General Session