(The Center Square) – A new Illinois law creates a statewide office to address public defender staffing gaps, but critics warn of higher costs and added bureaucracy without guaranteed improvements.

State Rep. Patrick Windhorst, R-Metropolis, who voted against House Bill 3363 , voiced concerns about the potential costs and the shift away from local control.

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“Staffing issues in local public defender offices were a concern raised by the bill’s sponsor and supporters, along with the general availability of r

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