Indigent Legal Services Task Force to Host Listening Sessions to Gather Public Input

Unified Judicial System
500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD  57501-5070

For Immediate Release: May 5, 2023
Contact: Greg Sattizahn 773-3474
Pierre

Indigent Legal Services Task Force to Host Listening Sessions to Gather Public Input

The Indigent Legal Services Task Force created by HB 1064 during the 2023 Legislative session will be holding several listening sessions across the state to gather information to inform its work.

The goal of this Task Force as stated in the legislation is to:

1. Identify how legal services are delivered in South Dakota to indigent parties in criminal, juvenile and child abuse and neglect proceedings statewide;  
2. Recommend ways to improve the delivery of legal services to indigent parties; 
3. Recommend methods to provide services for conflict cases where local public defenders may be unable to take cases;
4. Address how to ensure competent representation is provided to indigent parties; and
5. Identify potential funding options to ensure delivery of legal services for indigent parties. 

The listening sessions are scheduled as follows: 

• Brown County Courthouse Community Room, Aberdeen: May 17, 10 am-Noon 
• Roberts County Courthouse, Sisseton: May 17, 2 pm-4 pm 
• Hot Springs Civic Center: May 19, 10 am-Noon 
• Meade County Courthouse, Sturgis: May 22, 10 am-Noon 
• Oacoma, Cedar Shores: May 24, 10 am-Noon 
• Dewey County Courthouse, Timber Lake: May 31, 10 am-Noon
• Pierre, Capitol Lake Visitor Center: June 1, 10 am-Noon
• USD Knudson School of Law, Vermillion: June 6, 10 am-noon
• Huron Crossroads Hotel and Event Center: June 12, 10 am-Noon
• Virtual Meeting, https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8 9232563204?pwd=bG9PM1 VHbWZoTWlCWERoOEJS Nk54QT09: June 13, 3 pm- 5 pm 

Individuals needing assistance pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, should contact State Court Administration (605) 773-3474 48 hours before convening to make any necessary arrangements.