HF1862

This bill proposes modifications to the structure, governance, and employment terms of the Statewide Office of Appellate Counsel and Training and the State Board of Appellate Counsel and Training in Minnesota. Key provisions include:

1. Establishment & Responsibilities

   • The Statewide Office of Appellate Counsel and Training is confirmed as an independent state agency within the executive branch.
     
   • Its main duties include providing appellate legal representation to parents in juvenile protection cases (including Tribal court jurisdictions), training attorneys, and coordinating federal funding (Title IV-E) with counties and Tribes.

2. Board Structure & Membership Rules

   • The State Board of Appellate Counsel and Training will oversee the office, consisting of seven members:
     
     • Four public members appointed by the governor (including one from a federally recognized Indian Tribe).
       
     • Three members appointed by the state supreme court (including at least one attorney who has represented parents in juvenile court).
       
   • Restrictions are placed on board membership, prohibiting judges, lobbyists, guardians ad litem, child counsel, and certain government employees from serving.

3. Leadership & Employment Structure

   • Head Appellate Counsel for Parents: Appointed by the board for a four-year term, can be removed only for cause, must be a full-time attorney, and cannot practice general law while serving.
     
   • The office will also employ assistant appellate attorneys, independent contractors, and administrative staff (e.g., managing attorney, director of training, program administrator).
     
   • Salaries for attorneys and staff will be set by the board and aligned with those of county attorneys or state employee compensation plans.

Overall, the bill aims to enhance the function and financial sustainability of appellate representation for parents in juvenile protection cases by refining governance, employment policies, and funding coordination.