AUGUSTA — The Legislature’s Judiciary Committee is considering a proposal to create a public defenders system in Maine.

Maine is the only state without a public defender’s office.

The bill co-sponsored by committee chairmen Sen. David Burns, R-Whiting, and Rep. Barry Hobbins, D-Saco, that would create a public defender’s office was submitted by Gov. Paul LePage, according to a Maine Public Broadcasting report.

In Maine, independent lawyer take on public clients. They ares paid $55 per hour by the state to handle the cases of people too poor to pay for their own defense. 

Burns said the legislation wouldn’t create more state employees but continue to rely on contracting. 

According to a 2014 Sun Journal report, many lawyers think Maine’s current system works well, but they believe a public defender’s office would provide better oversight.