1. (1) The commission shall establish rules and procedures for the application by a county for participation in the fund.

2. (2) The office shall:

   1. (a) receive, screen, and approve or disapprove the application of a county seeking to participate in the fund;
   2. (b) calculate the amount of the annual contribution to be made to the fund by each participating county;
   3. (c) oversee and approve disbursement of money from the fund; and

   4. (d) negotiate, enter into, and administer a contract with an attorney or entity to provide indigent defense services to a minor referred to the juvenile court in a participating county if the attorney or entity:

      1. (i) is qualified to provide indigent defense services under this chapter; and
      2. (ii) meets the standards consistent for providing indigent defense services under this chapter.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 291, 2026 General Session