Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB268 by Keel (Relating to the qualifications and appointment of counsel for indigent defendants in capital cases.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
This bill would require the Task Force on Indigent Defense to set standards for attorneys who are to be appointed to represent indigent defendants applying for a writ of habeas corpus seeking relief from the death penalty. The bill also would authorize the Task Force to maintain a list of qualified attorneys and allows the court of criminal appeals to annually review the list of attorneys qualified for appointment.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council