Bill: SB 1057, 84(R) - 2015
Committee
Senate Criminal Justice
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Yes |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Positive |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
Bill Caption
Relating to the authority of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission to provide certain funding for indigent defense services.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
SB 1057 would amend the chapter on the “Texas Indigent Defense Commission” within the Government Code to allow funds to go directly to a public defender’s office or a legal clinic rather than to exclusively counties. However, the county must be able to provide half of the operating costs of the public defender’s office or legal clinic.
Vote Recommendation Notes
SB 1057 addresses a legitimate role of government by complying to the U.S. constitution’s sixth amendment “to have the assistance of counsel for his defence.” This bill would also give indigent counsel more local autonomy by providing funds directly to the entities that employ them. We support this bill for promoting limited government.
Organizations Supporting
County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas
Texas Conference of Urban Counties
