S.B. No. 2111 aims to improve legal representation for indigent individuals in Texas, particularly during magistrate proceedings. The bill mandates the appointment of attorneys for eligible indigent defendants who present potentially meritorious claims for relief under a writ of habeas corpus, defining such claims as those indicating actual innocence, guilt of a lesser offense, or a conviction under an unconstitutional law. It also introduces provisions for the use of videoconferencing in magistrate proceedings to ensure that arrested individuals are informed of their rights and can effectively consult with their counsel. Additionally, the bill establishes managed assigned counsel programs to enhance the quality of representation and requires the maintenance of communication records between the arrested person and the magistrate for at least two years post-judgment.

Moreover, S.B. No. 2111 amends various sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Government Code to improve compensation and reimbursement processes for appointed counsel in criminal cases. It stipulates reasonable fees for appointed counsel, excluding those from public defender's offices, and allows for reimbursement of expenses incurred by counsel with prior court approval. The bill clarifies the appointment process for attorneys in cases of potential conflicts of interest and establishes a reimbursement framework for counties regarding attorney compensation and expenses, ensuring that the financial burden does not solely fall on local governments. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and has received significant legislative support, passing both the Senate and the House.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 79.037, Government Code 411.082, Government Code 411.1272, Transportation Code 79.031 (Transportation Code 79, Government Code 411, Government Code 79)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 79.037, Government Code 411.082, Government Code 411.1272, Transportation Code 730.007 (Transportation Code 79, Government Code 411, Transportation Code 730, Government Code 79)
Engrossed: Government Code 411.082, Government Code 411.1272, Transportation Code 730.007 (Transportation Code 79, Government Code 411, Transportation Code 730, Government Code 79)
House Committee Report: Government Code 411.082, Government Code 411.1272, Transportation Code 730.007 (Transportation Code 79, Government Code 411, Transportation Code 730, Government Code 79)
Enrolled: Government Code 411.082, Government Code 411.1272, Transportation Code 730.007 (Transportation Code 79, Government Code 411, Transportation Code 730, Government Code 79)