Federal District Legislative Chamber to vote on Public Defender's budget autonomy

The Legislative Chamber of the Federal District (CLDF) is scheduled to vote next Tuesday on Organic Law Amendment No. 21/2026. The proposal aims to increase the budgetary autonomy of the Public Defender's Office of the Federal District (DPDF) by establishing a minimum percentage of the district's net current revenue to be allocated to the institution.

Currently, the DPDF receives 0.94% of the net current revenue, a figure lower than that of states such as Roraima, Piauí, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Minas Gerais. The amendment seeks to provide greater budget predictability and planning capabilities. The proposal previously received unanimous approval in its first round in June and now requires a second vote to pass.

Public Defender General Reinaldo Rossano has expressed optimism regarding the vote, noting that the budget increase is essential to meet rising demand for free legal assistance. In the first half of 2026 alone, the institution recorded more than 396,000 service calls.