The commission is to develop and monitor a process for the delivery of state-funded legal counsel services for indigents, as well as provide indigent defense services for those individuals determined by the court to be eligible for and in need of those services. Under Section 54-61-01, the chairman of the Legislative Council appoints one member of each house of the Legislative Assembly to the seven-member commission. Individuals appointed to the commission "should have experience in the defense of criminal cases or other cases in which appointed counsel services are required or should have demonstrated commitment to quality representation in indigent defense matters." After the initial appointment, members serve not more than two consecutive three-year terms.
