Public Comment Welcome: MIDC Guidelines for Trainers and Training Providers
Michigan Compiled Laws §780.991(4) provides that “The MIDC shall establish standards for trainers and organizations conducting training that receive MIDC funds for training and education. The standards established under this subsection must require that the MIDC analyze the quality of the training, and must require that the effectiveness of the training be capable of being measured and validated.”
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission is proposing Guidelines for Trainers and Training Providers pursuant to this statutory requirement and seeks public comment on the proposal. After a 30 day comment period the MIDC will take action on these Guidelines at an upcoming public meeting.
Written public comment for consideration by the Commission should be submitted before September 30, 2021 to LARA-MIDC-Info@michigan.gov. Alternatively, comments can be sent by that date to the MIDC’s Office, 611 W. Ottawa, 4th Floor, Lansing, MI 48933. All comments will be posted and available on the MIDC website.
Background and purpose: Attorneys in Michigan accepting adult indigent criminal case assignments must annually complete continuing legal education relevant to their indigent defense clients. MCL §780.991(2)(e). Every trial court funding unit in Michigan must submit a plan for compliance with the Standards, including MIDC Standard 1 – Training and Education of Defense Counsel, and a cost analysis to ensure sufficient funding to comply with the Standards. Systems shall only employ attorneys who have attended the required training described in MIDC Standard 1. These Guidelines shall serve as a supplement to Standard 1 and provide guidance for compliance with Standard 1.