Honorable Nicole Collier, Chair, House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2130 by Walle (Relating to the duties of the court regarding a plea bargain agreement that requires a defendant to pay costs associated with court-appointed counsel.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to require a court to inquire if a plea bargain agreement, in a plea of guilty or no contest, requires the defendant to pay for the cost of legal services provided to them and if so, determine the amount the defendant is able to pay.
Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished using existing resources.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2019.
Local Government Impact
The Texas Association of Counties estimates a fiscal impact on counties where these kind of plea agreements do occur, however, the amount of the revenue loss to each affected county cannot be determined at this time.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council