Bill > HB3488

This bill amends Section 841.005 of the Texas Health and Safety Code to change the agency responsible for representing indigent individuals in civil commitment proceedings. Currently, the Office of State Counsel for Offenders handles these representations, but the bill transfers this responsibility to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice. The bill specifies that the board must provide legal representation for indigent persons in civil commitment proceedings, which are legal processes typically involving individuals who may be considered a threat to public safety due to mental health or behavioral issues. If the board cannot provide representation for any reason, the court is required to appoint alternative counsel to ensure the indigent person has legal representation. The changes are relatively minor and primarily involve shifting the agency responsible for these legal representations, with the effective date set for September 1, 2025. The bill aims to ensure continued legal support for indigent individuals in civil commitment proceedings while changing the specific agency tasked with providing that representation.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB3488