2025 Session Last amended: 2024 session

§ 611.263 — Employer; Ramsey, Hennepin Defenders

Plain-Language Summary

Assistant public defenders in Ramsey County (Second Judicial District) are county employees, and those in Hennepin County (Fourth Judicial District) are also county employees. However, public defenders hired on or after January 1, 1999, in these districts are state employees of the Board of Public Defense instead. Those hired before that date remain county employees.

Practical Notes
This law affects employment status for public defenders in the Twin Cities metro area. If you were hired as a public defender in Ramsey or Hennepin County before January 1, 1999, you are a county employee. If hired after that date, you are a state employee governed by the Board of Public Defense personnel rules. This distinction affects benefits, retirement, and labor relations.