Public defender co-payment eliminated, partial payment for public defender services eliminated, appointed counsel reimbursement requirements eliminated, and retroactive forgiveness of certain payments referred to collections or entered as a civil judgement established.

This bill eliminates the requirement for individuals receiving public defender services to make co-payments, partial payments, or reimbursements for appointed counsel in Minnesota. It also removes the obligation for courts to collect these fees from defendants who qualify for public defense based on financial need. The legislation applies retroactively to forgive any unpaid co-payments, partial payments, or reimbursement orders that were referred to collections or entered as civil judgments before the law takes effect. These changes affect all defendants in Minnesota judicial districts who are financially unable to afford private legal representation. The bill becomes effective on July 1, 2026, and covers cases where appointments are made on or after that date.