PIERRE, S.D.(KJJQ)- The Senate Judiciary Committee of the South Dakota Legislature endorses the formation of two task forces requested by Supreme Court Justice Steven Jensen.

One would look at issues surrounding court appointed lawyers. The other would study emerging adults in the judicial system. State Court Administrator Greg Sattizahn says that would look at 18-25 year-olds.

Sattizahn says they hope to involve communities.

Court-appointed lawyers for indigent defendants cost South Dakota counties about $20-million dollars a year. Sattizahn says it’s also very difficult to find lawyers in many counties.

Both task forces were approved unanimously and move to the Senate floor.