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.), Committee Report 2nd House, As Amended
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would set guidelines for the qualifications and appointment of counsel for indigent defendants in capital cases. The bill would authorize the Task Force on Indigent Defense to adopt standards and maintain a list of qualified attorneys and would allow 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.