The 88th Texas legislative session included $3.7 million in extra funding for civil legal services earmarked for youth dealing with pandemic-related mental health issues. However, lawmakers declined to provide funding for a proposal to use remote technology to deliver legal services through kiosk-based centers.
The Legislature also passed a bill that will provide an additional source of funding for pro bono civil legal services and another bill that will benefit low-income individuals who face language barriers in the courtroom. Natalie Posgate goes into detail on each, as well as the storied history of how pro bono work became a mainstay in the state’s budget.