Identical to S 289, filed 3/9/23.

Amends GS 7A-498.7(a), creating a new public defender district to serve Alexander and Iredell counties (District 22A). Appropriates from the General Fund a recurring $1,071,211 to the Office of Indigent Services (IDS) for 2023-2024 to create 20 new positions in the new public defender district 22A, including a chief public defender, up to 12 assistant public defenders, and up to seven support positions. IDS may also use up to $1,500,000 from the Private Assigned Counsel Fund to support the staffing of public defender district 22A. Effective July 1, 2023.