HB 3488
AN ACT relating to representation for an indigent person subject to a
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Modifies legal representation procedures for indigent individuals in civil commitment proceedings, specifically requiring the Texas Board of Criminal Justice to provide legal representation for those who cannot afford an attorney. If the board cannot provide representation, the court must appoint alternative counsel to ensure the indigent person has legal representation during civil commitment proceedings. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to representation for an indigent person subject to a BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 841.005, Health and Safety Code, is Sec. 841.005. TEXAS BOARD OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE [OFFICE OF STATE COUNSEL FOR OFFENDERS]. (a) In this section, "board" means the Texas Board of Criminal Justice. (b) Except as provided by Subsection (c) [(b)], the board [Office of State Counsel for Offenders] shall provide representation for [represent] an indigent person subject to a civil commitment proceeding under this chapter. (c) [(b)] If for any reason the board [Office of State Counsel for Offenders] is unable to provide representation for [represent] an indigent person described by Subsection (b) [(a)] at a civil commitment proceeding under this chapter, the court shall appoint other counsel to represent the indigent person. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to representation for an indigent person subject to a
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