Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 151 § 151.219 — Executive director; duties

Executive director; duties. (1) The executive director of the Oregon Public Defense Commission shall: (a) Designate a deputy director of the commission who serves at the pleasure of the executive director. (b) Hire necessary staff for the commission. (c) Recommend to the commission how to establish and maintain, in a cost-effective manner, the delivery of legal services to persons entitled to, and, where applicable, financially eligible for, appointed counsel at state expense under Oregon statutes, the Oregon Constitution, the United States Constitution and consistent with Oregon and national standards of justice. (d) Implement and ensure compliance with contracts, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines adopted by the commission or required by statute. (e) Prepare and submit to the commission for its approval the biennial budget of the commission. (f) Negotiate contracts, as appropriate, for providing legal services to persons eligible for appointed counsel at state expense in accordance with ORS 151.216 (5) and (6). (g) Employ personnel or contract for services as necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the executive director and the commission. (h) Supervise the personnel, operation and activities of the commission. (i) Provide services, facilities and materials necessary for the performance of the duties, functions and powers of the commission. (j) Pay the expenses of the commission. (k) Prepare and submit to the members of the commission an annual report of the activities of the commission. (L) Provide for legal representation, advice and consultation for the commission, its members, the executive director and staff of the commission who require such services or who are named as defendants in lawsuits arising from their duties, functions and responsibilities. If requested by the executive director, the Attorney General may also provide for legal representation, advice and consultation for the commission, its members, the executive director and staff of the commission in litigation. (m) Maintain an accurate and current list of all attorneys providing public defense services in this state under the supervision, employment or contractual authority of the commission, and the qualifications for each attorney. (2) The executive director may: (a) Designate persons as representatives of the executive director for the purposes of determining and paying bills submitted to the commission and determining preauthorization for incurring fees and expenses under ORS 135.055. (b) Establish an external advisory group to assist in developing the standard operating expectations for persons and entities providing public defense services. [2001 c.962 §§4,106a; 2003 c.449 §§3,4; 2021 c.597 §10; 2023 c.281 §§4,95; 2025 c.569 §§7,8] Note: See note under 151.211.