Department of Public Advocacy -- Establishment -- Functions -- Independent agency

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 Department 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.