Relating to a maximum allowable caseload for certain attorneys.

HB 1847 establishes a maximum caseload limit for attorneys appointed to represent indigent defendants (those who cannot afford a lawyer) in criminal cases, including misdemeanors punishable by jail time and felony charges. The bill requires public defense programs to ensure appointed attorneys do not exceed this caseload, which will be set by the commission under new Section 79.043 of the Government Code. This directly affects appointed defense attorneys and the programs managing their assignments, such as public defender offices. The bill also mandates that these programs include the caseload limit in their operational plans and ensure fair, non-discriminatory appointment practices.