Senate Resolution No. 264 commemorates the 62nd anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling in Gideon v. Wainwright, which established the constitutional right to counsel for indigent defendants in felony cases. The resolution highlights the importance of this ruling in ensuring a fair trial and the necessity of adequate legal representation for a just legal process. It acknowledges the efforts of the Texas Legislature, particularly through the Fair Defense Act of 2001, which led to the creation of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission. This commission has been instrumental in enhancing public defense services, ensuring that more individuals have access to legal counsel, and improving the quality of legal assistance provided.

The resolution also notes the commission's role in addressing the rural attorney shortage and its commitment to fostering innovative public defense systems across Texas. By providing technical support and financial assistance to counties, the commission has facilitated the establishment of new public defender offices and managed assigned counsel programs in over 82 counties. The Senate expresses its commendation for the commission's ongoing work to uphold the principles of fairness and justice, thereby guaranteeing access to counsel for all Texans.