Bill: SB 662, 84(R) - 2015

Committee

Senate Criminal Justice

Companion Bill

HB 1346

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive

Author(s)

José Rodríguez

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 is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 662 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

5/21/15 update:

No changes have been made to this bill in the House. The second chamber sponsor is Representative Myra Crownover.

Original chamber analysis:


SB 662 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 SB 662.
Source URL (retrieved on 04/25/2024 11:04 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/sb662?print_view=true