Honorable Terry Keel, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2861 by Uresti (Relating to requiring criminal district court approval before counsel in a noncapital indigent defense case incurs certain expenses.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to prohibit a counsel in a noncapital case, other than an attorney with a public defender, appointed to represent a defendant from receiving reimbursement for expenditures for investigations or expert testimony unless prior court approval was obtained. The bill would take effect immediately if it receives the required two-thirds vote in each house; otherwise, it would take effect September 1, 2005.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.