Honorable Jeff Leach, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB1293 by Zaffirini (Relating to the authority of certain courts to employ attorneys as mental health public defenders and to the reimbursement of an attorney who represents an indigent proposed patient in certain mental health proceedings.), As Engrossed
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Health and Safety Code to authorize the commissioners courts of certain counties to employ attorneys as mental health public defenders and to authorize reimbursement for attorneys representing the proposed patient. The bill would require these counties to supply representation for proposed patients.
Local Government Impact
According to the Texas Association of Counties, the bill would not have a significant impact on counties.