KRS 31.010: Department of Public Advocacy -- Establishment -- Functions --

Independent agency.

There is hereby established as an independent agency of state government, attached for

administrative purposes to the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, the D epartment of

Public Advocacy, in order to provide for the establishment, maintenance, and operation

of a state-sponsored and controlled system for:

(1) The representation of persons accused of serious crimes, as authorized under this

chapter; and

(2) (a) The pursuit of legal, administrative, and other appropriate remedies to ensure

the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, independent of any

agency that provides treatment, services, or rehabilitation to persons with

disabilities.

(b) As used in this chapter, "persons with disabilities" means persons eligible for

protection and advocacy services under Pub. L. Nos. 99 -319, 102-569, 103-

218, 106 -170, and 106 -402, as amended, and any other federal enabling

statute hereafter enacted that defines the eligible client base for protection and

advocacy services.