29-3920. Legislative findings.

The Legislature finds that:

(1) County property owners should be given some relief from the obligation of providing mandated indigent defense services which in most instances are required because of state laws establishing crimes and penalties;

(2) Property tax relief can be accomplished if the state begins to assist the counties with the obligation of providing indigent defense services required by state laws establishing crimes and penalties;

(3) Property tax relief in the form of state assistance to the counties of Nebraska in providing for indigent defense services will also increase accountability because the state, which is the governmental entity responsible for passing criminal statutes, will likewise be responsible for paying some of the costs;

(4) Property tax relief in the form of state assistance to the counties of Nebraska in providing for indigent defense services will also improve inconsistent and inadequate funding of indigent defense services by the counties;

(5) Property tax relief in the form of state assistance to the counties of Nebraska in providing for indigent defense services will also lessen the impact on county property taxpayers of the cost of a high profile death penalty case which can significantly affect the finances of the counties; and

(6) To accomplish property tax relief in the form of the state assisting the counties of Nebraska in providing for indigent defense services, the Commission on Public Advocacy Operations Cash Fund should be established to fund the operation of the Commission on Public Advocacy and to fund reimbursement requests as determined by section 29-3933.

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