§ 16-87-201 — Definitions

For the purpose of this subchapter: (1) "Commission" means the Arkansas Public Defender Commission created by this subchapter; (2) "Executive director" means the person appointed by the commission pursuant to this subchapter; (3) "Indigent person" means a person who, at the time his or her need is determined, is without sufficient funds or assets to employ an attorney due to substantial financial hardship or afford other necessary expenses incidental to employing an attorney; and (4) "Substantial financial hardship" means that a person's current or future financial situation is uncertain or precarious and is presumed if the person's financial situation includes without limitation one (1) or more of the following: (A) Receipt of public assistance such as: (i) Food stamps; (ii) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; (iii) Medicaid; (iv) Disability insurance; (v) Public housing; or (vi) Supplemental Security Income benefits; (B) Earning less than two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty guidelines, as they existed on January 1, 2021; (C) Being incarcerated; or (D) Being admitted to a residential mental health facility.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2021, No. 502,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Acts 1993, No. 1193, § 17.