Criminal Justice Coordinating Commission

Judge Becerra created a Criminal Justice Coordinating Commission that brought together leaders in law enforcement from around the county to discuss opportunities for improvement throughout the criminal justice system. Businesses and families see the devastating effects of a broken system firsthand. The goal of this commission was to start a conversation centered around reducing recidivism, promoting successful reintegration into society, and protecting constitutional rights.

Mental Health Task Force

Judge Becerra believes mental health should be a primary focus, so he established the Mental Health Task Force, which created the roadmap to bring a Center for Mental Wellness, Education, and Research to Hays County with the goal of destigmatizing and addressing mental health issues. He was able to get funding approved and a Needs Assessment was completed in November 2022 to determine what services and the size of the wellness center needed in our county. This would support our healthcare system, our criminal justice system, economic development, and ultimately all residents in Hays County.

Public Defender’s Office

With the creation of the Public Defender’s Office, Judge Becerra is focusing on safeguarding the rights of the accused and ensuring everyone has the right to counsel. Those who have been accused of victimless crimes could qualify for pretrial diversion programs, an easy place to start addressing overcrowding in our county’s jail. $5 million have been allocated to the creation of a new PDO. This program is well-supported, well-funded, and long-lasting.

Small Business COVID-19 Task Force

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Becerra established the Small Business COVID-19 Task Force to support and ensure protection for small business owners who were greatly affected by our shutdown because Judge Becerra believes small businesses are the foundation of our county. This task force was of great significance because it protected local communities and promoted economic security in Hays County. As the Director of Emergency Management, he led the initiative to bring COVID-19 tests to Hays County at the beginning of the public health crisis because he understood the importance of putting you and your families’ health and safety first.

Council for the Indigenous and Tejano Community

Judge Becerra created the Council for the Indigenous and Tejano Community to ensure the stories of the underrepresented have an active voice in our community. The council’s mission is to relay the multitude of under-told and untold stories of the Indigenous and Tejano People of Hays County, while also preserving the history, traditions, and rich culture of our community.

Pet Resource Center

As Judge Becerra plans the future of our entire community, he recognizes the interconnectedness of animal services and human services. Hays County residents demand more community engagement and effective solutions, and our pet lovers expect more lifesaving programs. A centralized Pet Resource Center will keep people and their pets together by providing pet retention assistance, veterinary services, and shelter diversion.

Pre-Trial Services (Link to Criminal Modernization subpage)

Judge Becerra worked closely with the community to bring a division that could oversee programs like cite and divert to keep low-level offenders out of jail.

Hays County Veterans’ Commission

The creation of the Hays County Veterans Commission is to collaborate with countywide, veteran-focused organizations to support and promote veterans’ needs. Our Veterans Services will serve as the liaison/facilitator of The Veterans Commission and each commissioner will provide a representative to make up the founding members. The goal of this commission is to ensure stronger communication between county leaders and our veteran community in the county.

Film Advisory Board

The creation of the Film Advisory Board is to attract and support media productions to Hays County by providing guidelines, assisting with local government policies and procedures, and facilitating connections with local resources needed to achieve a superior project and bring a positive economic impact to our communities.

Courthouse Grounds Re-Design

Judge Becerra has always felt that the Hays County Historic Courthouse is the people’s house, so we updated the landscape and design of our grounds to create a more welcoming atmosphere using TIRZ funds as to not burden the taxpayer.

Point of Contact:

Alison Castillo, Executive Assistant

alison.castillo@co.hays.tx.us
512-393-2205