Gov. Noem signs bill establishing statewide Office of Indigent Legal Services

Governor Kristi Noem has signed HB 1057 into law. It creates the Commission on Indigent Legal Services and Office of Indigent Legal Services.

Governor Noem says the Commission will oversee a statewide defender office to handle criminal appeals, child abuse and neglect appeals, and habeas appeals. The office will also provide training and mentorship to rural attorneys.

Noem says the U.S. Constitution guarantees people the right to legal counsel.

She also made the first appointments to the board: Larry Long of Sioux Falls, Heather Lammers Bogard of Rapid City, and Dick Travis of Sioux Falls.

The bill provides three-million dollars to fund the commission and office.

March 20, 2024