H.B. No. 4915 seeks to improve legal representation for indigent individuals in Texas, particularly during magistrate proceedings. The bill amends Article 11.074 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to mandate 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 videoconferencing in magistrate proceedings, ensuring that arrested individuals are informed of their rights and can consult with counsel. Furthermore, the bill establishes guidelines for the appointment of counsel and the management of assigned counsel programs, while requiring the retention of communication records between the arrested person and the magistrate for at least two years post-judgment.

In addition to enhancing legal representation, the bill 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. Key changes include provisions for reimbursing attorneys for travel expenses incurred outside the county where the case is pending, along with a requirement for prior court approval for certain expenses. The bill clarifies the reimbursement process for public defender's offices and establishes that counties will be reimbursed by the state for attorney compensation and expenses. It also introduces a definition for "managed assigned counsel program" and expands access to criminal history record information for public defender's offices and managed assigned counsel programs. The amendments will apply to expenses incurred on or after the effective date of the Act, set for September 1, 2025.

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)
House Committee Report: Government Code 411.082, Government Code 411.1272, Transportation Code 730.007 (Transportation Code 79, Transportation Code 730, Government Code 411, Government Code 79)