Establishes Division of Advocacy for Developmentally Disabled within Office of Public Defender; designates public defender for developmentally disabled clients in criminal cases.

New Jersey Assembly Bill A601 establishes a Division of Advocacy for Developmentally Disabled within the Office of Public Defender. This division will serve as the state's official protection and advocacy agency for people with developmental disabilities, handling complaints, providing legal representation, and ensuring adequate care in state-operated facilities. The bill requires the Public Defender to designate at least one staff attorney per office with expertise in developmental disabilities to represent these clients in criminal cases. It transfers all existing advocacy functions from a private entity to this new public division, effective 180 days after enactment. The measure directly affects developmentally disabled individuals in criminal proceedings and state care facilities.