Courts: other; Michigan indigent defense commission act; expand duties to include indigent defense of youth. Amends title & secs. 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 21 & 23 of 2013 PA 93 (MCL 780.983 et seq.) & adds sec. 14.
Key claim: HB4070 amends the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act to expand its duties and standards to include the indigent defense of youth in addition to adults.
Abstract
(HB4070 · 103rd Legislature) Courts: other; Michigan indigent defense commission act; expand duties to include indigent defense of youth. Amends title & secs. 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 21 & 23 of 2013 PA 93 (MCL 780.983 et seq.) & adds sec. 14. Latest action (2026-06-16): Placed On Third Reading
Why this matters
Expanding the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act to youth would extend statewide minimum standards, training, and compliance requirements — previously applicable only to adult criminal defense — to juvenile representation, shifting duties and potential costs for counties, courts, and appointed counsel. For taxpayers and local governments, this could mean new MIDC grant obligations and standardized attorney compensation in juvenile proceedings; for youth defendants, it promises more consistent representation quality across Michigan.