The Texas Legislature created the Texas Task Force on Indigent Defense in 2001 to remedy persistent deficiencies in Texas indigent defense:
- Access to counsel
- Quality of counsel
- Data collection
In 2011, the Task Force became the Texas Indigent Defense Commission. TIDC is tasked with funding, overseeing, and improving public defense in each of Texas's 254 counties. TIDC is led by 15 Commission Members and 20 staff.
Mission
Protecting the right to counsel, improving public defense
Vision
Excellent representation for all
Guiding Principle
Defer to counties when possible and try to reduce burdens on counties when we can
Commission
Chair
Honorable Missy Medary
Vice Chair
Mr. James D. "Jim" Bethke
Ex Officio Members
- Honorable Jimmy Blacklock
- Honorable Brandon Creighton
- Honorable Bill Gravell, Jr.
- Honorable Emily Miskel
- Honorable David Schenck
- Honorable John Smithee
Members Appointed by the Governor
- Mr. James D. "Jim" Bethke
- Mr. Alex Bunin
- Mr. Jay Cohen
- Honorable Valerie Covey
- Honorable Richard Evans
- Honorable Missy Medary
- Honorable James R. "J.R." Woolley, Jr.
Policies and Standards Committee
Chair - Mr. Alex Bunin
- Mr. James D. "Jim" Bethke
- Honorable Valerie Covey
- Honorable Richard Evans
Grants and Reporting Committee
Chair - Honorable Emily Miskel
- Honorable Bill Gravell Jr.
- Honorable James R. "J.R." Woolley, Jr.
