Steven D. Benjamin

The meeting included a budget update, discussion and approval of policy recommendations, renewal of the Executive Director's authority, and discussion of the mission statement. The commission also received a training update, discussed personnel issues in a closed session, and covered informational items, including recognition of an award winner and concerns about defense representation on the Sentencing Guideline Commission.

The meeting included a budget update, highlighting the agency's financial status, including retention bonuses and budget comparisons. The Personnel Committee's recommendations were discussed, focusing on performance evaluations of public defenders and proposed changes to capital office jurisdictions to balance workloads. There was a training update, covering boot camp for attorneys and participation in Gideon's Promise programs. Other business included rescheduling the December 2019 Commission meeting, certification trends, the VIDC 2018 Re-entry Report, and a budget request for paralegal positions to handle the increasing workload from body-worn camera footage.

The meeting included an election of the Chair and Vice Chair, a budget update, and an Executive Director update. The budget update covered the FY2020 budget, including proposed prepaid expenses, and the proposed FY2021 budget, highlighting expenses related to office moves and paralegal positions. The Executive Director reported on the new Prince William office and the transition from remote working. There was also discussion regarding the CARES Act expenses, a deficit provision form, a legislative update, the marijuana bill, and lost attorney positions.

The meeting included a budget update, discussion and delegation of authority to the Budget Committee to approve end-of-year expenditures for fiscal year 2018. There was a policy update, including discussion and acceptance of changes related to workplace harassment reporting. The renewal of the Executive Director's authority was approved. The commission discussed and approved a letter providing comment on the Supreme Court's request for public comment on discovery. Training updates were shared, including the upcoming management conference and trial attorney boot camp. The meeting moved into a closed session to discuss personnel issues.

The meeting included a presentation from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) on indigent criminal defense, focusing on private attorneys and the decline in their numbers due to insufficient pay. VIDC staff presented on recruitment efforts, workforce diversity, compensation, turnover, and the state of court-appointed attorneys. Discussions covered resources and training for court-appointed attorneys, court-appointed clinics, and budget updates, including a proposed bonus for VIDC employees. The Budget Committee was granted authority to approve expenditures exceeding $25,000. The commission convened in a closed session to discuss pending litigation/personnel and later granted the Executive Director settlement authority. Policy amendments were carried over to the June meeting, and an update was provided on the General Assembly.