Bill: HB 1346, 84(R) - 2015
Committee
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Companion Bill
SB 662
Vote Recommendation
Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
Yes |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Positive |
Author(s)
Roberto Alonzo
Bill Caption
Relating to the representation of certain indigent applicants for a writ of habeas corpus.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State or units of local government is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
HB 1346 would require court-appointed representation to represent an indigent defendant for the purposes of filing an application for a writ of habeas corpus. A writ of habeas corpus is when a prisoner wants to challenge the legality of their imprisonment.
Vote Recommendation Notes
HB 1346 would allow a defendant to access the means to petition the court for their release. Although, this bill would appoint counsel to an indigent defendant, the cost savings from an expedited release could negate the additional expenditures related to appointed counsel. This bill would preserve the individual liberty of defendants to contend before a court that they are confined illegally. We encourage the passage of HB 1346.