The legislation is set to take effect on 22 March
The legislation aimed at discontinuing financial support for reports generated under section 27 of the Sentencing Act 2002 has obtained Royal assent.
As a result of the bill, which will be implemented on 22 March, the Legal Services Commissioner will cease funding for both written reports and in-person appearances associated with section 27. Last month, the New Zealand Law Society and the Bar Association expressed their concerns with the legislation.
Nonetheless, no modifications have been made to section 27 itself, and offenders retain the right to have an individual present information in court concerning their background, adhering to the initial purpose of the Act.
In anticipation of a potential surge in applications for section 27 report funding prior to the bill’s enactment date, the Legal Services Commissioner has urged providers to submit requests to Legal Aid Services by 12pm on 21 March. Service providers will still have the ability to file invoices for section 27 report-related expenses as usual, provided that the funding for such reports was sanctioned by Legal Aid Services prior to the 22 March deadline.
