S.B. No. 2111 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure in Texas to enhance legal representation for indigent defendants. The bill mandates the appointment of attorneys to investigate and represent eligible 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 convictions under unconstitutional laws. It also modifies procedures for magistrates to ensure arrested individuals are informed of their rights, including the right to counsel, and establishes requirements for appointing counsel for indigent defendants. Additionally, the bill allows for videoconferencing in magistrate proceedings and ensures appropriate assistance for individuals with language barriers or disabilities.

Furthermore, the bill improves compensation and reimbursement processes for appointed counsel, stipulating reasonable fees for services rendered and expanding reimbursable expenses, including travel and communication costs. It clarifies the appointment process for attorneys in cases with potential conflicts of interest and mandates counties to cover attorney compensation costs, with provisions for state reimbursement. The bill also defines "managed assigned counsel program" and ensures access to criminal history records for public defender offices and managed assigned counsel programs. S.B. No. 2111 is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, after 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, Government Code 79, Transportation Code 730)
Engrossed: Government Code 411.082, Government Code 411.1272, Transportation Code 730.007 (Transportation Code 79, Government Code 411, Government Code 79, Transportation Code 730)
House Committee Report: Government Code 411.082, Government Code 411.1272, Transportation Code 730.007 (Transportation Code 79, Government Code 411, Government Code 79, Transportation Code 730)
Enrolled: Government Code 411.082, Government Code 411.1272, Transportation Code 730.007 (Transportation Code 79, Government Code 411, Government Code 79, Transportation Code 730)