(a) Recommend to the Public Defense Services Commission how to establish and maintain, in a cost-effective manner, the delivery of legal services to persons entitled to, and, where applicable, financially eligible for, appointed counsel at state expense under Oregon statutes, the Oregon Constitution, the United States Constitution and consistent with Oregon and national standards of justice.
(b) Implement and ensure compliance with contracts, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines adopted by the commission or required by statute.
(c) Prepare and submit to the commission for its approval the biennial budget of the commission and the office of public defense services.
(d) Negotiate contracts, as appropriate, for providing legal services to persons eligible for appointed counsel at state expense. No contract so negotiated is binding or enforceable until the contract has been reviewed and approved by the commission as provided in ORS 151.216.
(e) Employ personnel or contract for services as necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the director and the office of public defense services.
(f) Supervise the personnel, operation and activities of the office of public defense services.
(g) Provide services, facilities and materials necessary for the performance of the duties, functions and powers of the Public Defense Services Commission.
(h) Pay the expenses of the commission and the office of public defense services.
(i) Prepare and submit to the commission an annual report of the activities of the office of public defense services.
(j) Prepare and submit to the Legislative Assembly a biennial report on the activities of the office of public defense services.
(k) Provide for legal representation, advice and consultation for the commission, its members, the director and staff of the office of public defense services who require such services or who are named as defendants in lawsuits arising from their duties, functions and responsibilities. If requested by the director, the Attorney General may also provide for legal representation, advice and consultation for the commission, its members, the director and staff of the office of public defense services in litigation.
(2) The director may designate persons as representatives of the director for the purposes of determining and paying bills submitted to the office of public defense services and determining preauthorization for incurring fees and expenses under ORS 135.055. [2001 c.962 §§4,106a; 2003 c.449 §§3,4; 2021 c.597 §10]
Note: See note under 151.211.