89R10077 MCF-D
 
  By: DeAyala H.B. No. 3488
 
 
 
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.