|
|
|
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
|
|
AN ACT
|
|
relating to representation for an indigent person subject to a |
|
civil commitment proceeding. |
|
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
|
SECTION 1. Section 841.005, Health and Safety Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
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. |