SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A bill helping the state’s public defenders with a new office in the Judicial Branch is headed to the governor’s desk.

Public defenders are government appointed lawyers for people accused of criminal charges who cannot afford legal representation.

The new independent office would create rules to establish public defenders’ appointments, powers and pay. A commission would also be formed to help with operational costs and funding.

County offices would also mimic those new roles.

Supporters of the bill said that would be among the most substantial reforms to the state’s public defender system since 1949.

“Every Illinoisan deserves a strong defense, no matter their income,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “Instating this new system would ensure real help reaches people who have been left behind in conversations about criminal justice reform for far too long.”

In the current system, judges can hire and fire chief public defenders. The American Bar Association discourages that system as it calls for public defenders to be independent.

“For years, our local public defenders have been doing more with less – handling impossible caseloads and fighting uphill battles,” Peters said. “This bill gives public defenders the tools to do the job right and truly stand up for their client.”

The bill passed the Senate Saturday and now heads to Pritzker’s desk. The full text of the bill can be found here.