The governor shall appoint the public defender from among two or more persons nominated for that position by the judicial council. The appointment is subject to confirmation by majority of the members of the legislature in joint session. The public defender shall serve a term of four years. If the governor decides to retain the public defender for another term the governor need not call for nominations from the judicial council; however, the retention must be approved by a majority of the members of the legislature in joint session.
If the position of public defender becomes vacant for any reason, the governor may appoint an acting public defender to serve until the regular appointment procedures under AS 18.85.030 are complied with. The governor and the judicial council shall act under AS 18.85.030 as soon as possible after the vacancy occurs. A person appointed under that section to fill a vacancy begins a new four-year term.
