Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to the appointment of counsel by the court for an indigent person, and including effective date provisions
Proposed by the Public Defender, State · all agency proposals
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 15, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 15, 2026
- Stopped: House committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary If a person cannot afford a lawyer and no contract attorneys are available, the court must appoint a different lawyer to help them. Currently, the court only has the option to appoint a noncontract attorney, but this change makes it a requirement.1
Read the official explanation
This bill relates to the appointment of counsel by the court for an indigent person. Current law provides that if no contract attorney is available for appointment by the court, the court may appoint a noncontract attorney. The bill provides that if the court determines that no contract attorney is available to represent the person, the court is required to appoint a noncontract attorney. The bill takes effect upon enactment.
House subcommittee
Named January 15, 2026. Meeting: Wednesday, January 21 · 4:00 PM · House Lounge.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part