TX HB2647

Establishes a new Inmate Legal Services Office to provide legal representation for indigent inmates charged with offenses committed while in Texas Department of Criminal Justice custody, replacing the current system under the Texas Board of Criminal Justice

Creates a nine-member Inmate Legal Services Board of Directors, appointed by the State Bar of Texas president, consisting of five public defender executives and four criminal defense attorneys with experience representing indigent defendants

Requires the board to hire a director who must be a State Bar member with at least three years of legal practice, substantial criminal law experience, and no findings of ineffective assistance of counsel; director serves a four-year term with compensation matching the special prosecution unit chief

Prohibits the office from accepting case appointments if conflicts of interest exist, resources are insufficient for adequate representation, or caseloads would exceed maximum allowable limits

Transfers employees from the Office of State Counsel for Offenders to the new office effective September 1, 2025, with board members appointed by December 1, 2025, a director hired by January 1, 2026, and legal representation under the new system beginning February 1, 2026