Enrolled Bill Summary

            Senate Bill 7 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to establish provisions relating to the appointment, standards, and compensation of counsel in representing an indigent person accused of a crime. The bill establishes certain deadlines for a defendant to be taken before a magistrate, to be released on bond, and to have counsel appointed if the defendant cannot afford counsel. In addition, the bill requires the judges of the county courts, statutory county courts, and district courts with jurisdiction over criminal matters to adopt and publish county-wide procedures for timely and fairly appointing attorneys for indigent defendants.

            Senate Bill 7 also establishes the Task Force on Indigent Defense to develop policies and standards for providing legal representation and other defense services to indigent defendants at trial, on appeal, and in postconviction proceedings.