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 13 Commission Members and 18 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 Members
Ex Officio Members
- Honorable Missy Medary (Chair)
- Honorable Brandon Creighton
- Honorable Nathan Hecht
- Honorable Sharon Keller
- Honorable Joe Moody
- Honorable Sherry Radack
- Honorable Reggie Smith
- Honorable Vivian Torres
- Honorable John Whitmire
Members Appointed by Governor
- Mr. James D. "Jim" Bethke
- Mr. Alex Bunin
- Mr. Jay Cohen
- Honorable Valerie Covey
- Honorable Richard Evans
- Honorable James R. "J.R." Woolley, Jr.
