Honorable Joan Huffman, Chair, Senate Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB2189 by Huffman (Relating to the appointment of an attorney pro tem for certain criminal proceedings.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Government Code to modify who may be appointed as an attorney pro tem when the attorney that would normally serve the county is absent or disqualified. The bill would also repeal provisions allowing any competent attorney or an assistant attorney general to be appointed as an attorney pro tem and clarify that an attorney pro tem is not entitled to additional compensation. Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration and the Office of the Attorney General, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished by utilizing existing resources.
Local Government Impact
According to Harris County, having a government attorney handle pro tems would save the County money that would otherwise go to private attorneys. The County anticipates significant cost savings under the provisions of the bill.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council, 302 Office of the Attorney General