July 7, 2026
Today, Governor Josh Stein signed the 2026 State Appropriations Act into law. The new budget provides the Office of Indigent Defense Services with additional funding for the Private Assigned Counsel (PAC) Fund.
IDS fiscal and research staff are assessing agency budget numbers and trends in demand so that the Commission can determine new hourly rates. Staff will present findings and recommendations at the August 7 Commission meeting.
IDS is grateful that the General Assembly has recognized the need for additional PAC funding. We will act as quickly as possible after budget certification and we look forward to raising rates as early as this fall.