Public Acts of 1990 Chapter 964

WHEREAS, the Sixth Judicial District, being Knox County, is the only judicial district without a Public Defender; and,

WHEREAS, it is the intent of the General Assembly to create the position of District Public Defender for the Sixth Judicial District and to make such position a part of the District Public Defender Conference, with the same duties, responsibilities, privileges and staff assistance as other District Public Defenders.

SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 8-14-202(a) is amended by deleting the word “sixth”.

SECTION 2. Effective September 1, 1990, there is created the position of District Public Defender for the sixth judicial district. At the regular August election in 1990 the qualified voters of the sixth judicial district shall elect a person to the position of District Public Defender for a full eight (8) year term. The person elected to such office shall possess the same qualifications, powers and duties, and shall receive the same compensation, payable in the same manner, benefits, emoluments dignity of office and staff assistance as is required or provided by law for other District Public Defenders.

SECTION 3. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the times for the filing of qualifying petitions for candidates for the office of District Public Defender for the sixth judicial district shall be modified if necessary by the county election commission in the sixth judicial district so that such names may be placed on the ballot in the regular 1990 elections.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon becoming law, the public welfare requiring it.

Passed: April 12, 1990.