AB 690: Criminal procedure: indigent defense compensation.

The bill aims to improve the indigent defense system in California. It requires counties and courts to include specific elements in contracts for indigent defense services, such as compliance with the California Standards for Contract and Panel Defense Systems. The bill prohibits flat fee contracts and per case compensation contracts, ensuring that attorneys have sufficient resources and time to provide competent representation. Counties that contract with private entities must provide these contracts to the Office of the State Public Defender every two years. The bill also requires counties to ensure that contracts provide for an hourly rate or its equivalent. This will help ensure that indigent defendants receive fair and adequate representation.