For purposes of implementing s. 14, Art. V of the State Constitution, the essential elements of the public defenders' offices are as follows:

1. (1) The public defender of each judicial circuit and assistant public defenders and essential staff as determined by general law.
2. (2) Reasonable court reporting services necessary to meet constitutional requirements.
3. (3) Witnesses summoned to appear for an investigation, preliminary hearing, or trial in a criminal case when the witnesses are summoned on behalf of an indigent defendant; mental health professionals who are appointed pursuant to s. 394.473 and required in a court hearing involving an indigent; and expert witnesses who are appointed pursuant to s. 916.115(2) and required in a court hearing involving an indigent.

History.--s. 6, ch. 2000-237.