For the first time in Pennsylvania history, county court systems in Northern PA will have state funding for indigent defense (public defender offices, defense for accused in justice system)

The funding comes from $7.5 million allocated to indigent defense in the 2023/24 budget. The funds are being distributed by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, through the newly established Indigent Defense Advisory Committee.

The Committee reports that many counties plan to use the money for recruitment, hiring, and staff retention. They may also use funds for technology, equipment, and software updates to case management programs.

The exact amount for each county is listed below:

Tioga: $94,101

Bradford: $108,781

Susquehanna: $94,101

Governor Josh Shapiro has suggested a $2.5 million increase in funding for the 2024/25 budget, which would result in a total of $10 million of state funding for indigent defense.