Primary Department: Public Defender
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Genesis Draper, Chief Public Defender
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Grant - Application
Project ID (if applicable): GY27_FIDL5_YR3
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Texas Indigent Defense Commission
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable):
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable):
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): 0%
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): Grantor does not allow indirect cost capture
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the Public Defender for approval to submit an application to the Texas Indigent Defense Commission for grant funds in the amount of $130,066.45, with no required match, for the FY27 Future Indigent Defense Leaders Statewide Training & Mentoring Program (FIDL) Cohort 5, Year 3.
end
Background and Discussion:
This grant, funded by the Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC), is part of the broader Harris County
Improvement Grant Program. It supports the Future Indigent Defense Leaders (FIDL) initiative, which is
designed to cultivate the next generation of public defense leadership in Texas. The period of funding and
program operation is October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027.
Expected Impact:
Securing funding is essential to sustain this multi-year program, which is dedicated to enhancing indigent defense by cultivating the next generation of skilled, client-centered defense attorneys. Through comprehensive training and mentorship, the program strengthens the quality of legal representation for underserved communities, upholding the constitutional right to counsel and contributing to a more equitable justice system.
Alternative Options:
Seek alternate funding sources or discontinue the program. There were no...
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