After Governor Shapiro proposes historic Indigent Defense funding in 2024-25 Budget, PCCD hosts Inaugural Meeting of Indigent Defense Advisory Committee

Less than one week after Governor Josh Shapiro proposed $10 million for indigent defense to be funded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) in his 2024-25 budget proposal, PCCD’s Indigent Defense Advisory Committee held its inaugural meeting to begin developing statewide standards and a statewide funding system for indigent defense services, which provide legal representation for those who cannot afford it on their own.

Until 2023, Pennsylvania was one of only two states in the country that did not provide state funding for indigent defense – but the Governor secured $7.5 million to fund indigent defense for the first time in Pennsylvania history to ensure public defenders have the resources they need to provide legal representation to defendants who cannot pay for it on their own.

“Last year, for the first time, we came together to lose the shameful distinction of being one of just two states to invest zero state dollars in public defense and allocated sustainable funding to help meet the needs of public defenders and the poor defendants who rely on them. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Davis and the Indigent Defense Advisory Committee, we are working hard to drive that money out quickly so counties can put it to work for poor defendants,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “We need to do more to build equity in our criminal justice system, but it’s critically important that we start here – with sustained, dedicated funding for public defenders. The time to invest is right now. That’s why my budget invests another $10 million in our public defenders this year to ensure that everyone has a fair shot – and that both sides have an adequate opportunity to present a strong case in court.”