Texas HB4221 amends policies and standards for indigent defense services and family protection services.

Texas HB4221 amends the Texas Indigent Defense Commission's policies and standards for providing indigent defense services and family protection services. The bill specifies performance standards for counsel, qualification standards for attorneys, and standards for determining indigence. It also outlines policies for various programs, including assigned counsel, public defender's offices, and contract defender programs. The Texas Indigent Defense Commission must revise existing policies to align with these new standards. The act takes effect September 1, 2025.

Texas HB4221 amends policies and standards for indigent defense services and family protection services.

Texas HB4221 amends the Texas Indigent Defense Commission's policies and standards for providing indigent defense services and family protection services. The bill specifies performance standards for counsel, qualification standards for attorneys, and standards for determining indigence. It also outlines policies for various programs, including assigned counsel, public defender's offices, and contract defender programs. The Texas Indigent Defense Commission must revise existing policies to align with these new standards. The act takes effect September 1, 2025.