Honorable Nicole Collier, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB372 by González, Jessica (Relating to the representation of certain indigent applicants for a writ of habeas corpus.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to require a court to appoint an attorney to represent an eligible indigent defendant to investigate a claim and file a writ of habeas corpus any time the prosecuting authority represents that the defendant has a potentially meritorious claim of relief from a felony or misdemeanor conviction.
Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished utilizing existing resources.
Local Government Impact
Travis County does not anticipate a significant fiscal impact to the county. The Texas District and County Attorneys Association anticipates a potential minimal fiscal impact to urban counties with existing Conviction Integrity Units and large volumes of criminal trials.