85R5561 LHC-F
	By: Moody	H.B. No. 1967

	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
	AN ACT
	relating to the creation of an innocence project grant program.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
	SECTION 1.  Section 79.039(a), Government Code, is amended
	to read as follows:
	(a)  Each legal clinic or program in this state [that is
	operated by a law school and] that receives  financial support from
	the commission shall submit to the commission an annual report
	regarding criminal cases:
	(1)  in which the clinic or program has provided legal
	services to an indigent defendant during the preceding calendar
	year; and
	(2)  in which:
	(A)  based on a finding of actual innocence, the
	court of criminal appeals overturns a conviction; or
	(B)  the governor issues a pardon based on actual
	innocence.
	SECTION 2.  Subchapter C, Chapter 79, Government Code, is
	amended by adding Section 79.041 to read as follows:
	Sec. 79.041.  INNOCENCE PROJECT GRANT PROGRAM.  (a)  Using
	any funds available for the purpose, the commission may establish
	an innocence project grant program to support:
	(1)  projects that screen, investigate, and litigate
	post-conviction claims of actual innocence in non-capital cases in
	this state; and
	(2)  associated expenses necessary to conduct those
	activities.
	(b)  In making grant awards under the program, the commission
	shall promote among projects coordinated strategies that will
	enable those projects to efficiently screen requests for assistance
	and to engage in effective investigation and litigation activities.
	(c)  Only the following entities are eligible to receive
	grants under the program:
	(1)  a public or private law school in Texas; or
	(2)  a nonprofit organization based in this state that
	operates an innocence project.
	(d)  The commission may adopt rules to implement this
	section.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.