Honorable Jeff Wentworth, Chair, Senate Committee on Jurisprudence
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB306 by Harris (Relating to the appointment of counsel to represent an indigent defendant in a capital case.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would require the presiding district court judge to appoint an attorney who is qualified to handle death penalty cases to represent an indigent defendant in a capital felony case. A second attorney must then be appointed if the prosecutor provides written notice that the death penalty will be sought. Under current statute, two attorneys must be appointed when a capital felony case is filed, unless the prosecutor provides notice that the death penalty will not be sought.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council