Expands reasons for creating, merging, or dissolving public defender corporations in West Virginia.

The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to allow the executive director to create, merge, or dissolve public defender corporations in judicial circuits. It requires the creation of two separate public defender corporations if one employs six or more assistant public defenders, including the chief public defender. These corporations must operate independently and be governed by the same board of directors. The executive director must consult with the judge or chief judge before making such decisions.

Expands reasons for creating, merging, or dissolving public defender corporations in West Virginia.

The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to allow the executive director to create, merge, or dissolve public defender corporations in judicial circuits. It requires the creation of two separate public defender corporations if one employs six or more assistant public defenders, including the chief public defender. These corporations must operate independently and be governed by the same board of directors. The executive director must consult with the judge or chief judge before making such decisions.