LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 83RD LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 11, 2013

TO:	Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee On Criminal Justice
FROM:	Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB592 by Ellis (Relating to caseloads for attorneys who are appointed to represent indigent defendants in criminal cases.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to change the frequency of certain reporting requirements to the Texas Indigent Defense Commission. The bill requires that certain counties establish a maximum allowable caseload for attorney appointments and report on such information. The Office of Court Administration states there would be a minimal cost associated with implementing the provisions of the bill, but it is anticipated that this can be accomplished within existing resources.

The bill would take effect January 1, 2014.

Local Government Impact

Statistical reports on attorney caseloads will have to be prepared locally by the courts, county auditor, or some other entity. The annual report will create some additional workload; however, fiscal impact to units of local government is not anticipated to be significant.

Source Agencies:

212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council

LBB Staff:

UP, ESi, AM, KKR