H.B. No. 3488 amends Section 841.005 of the Health and Safety Code to clarify the role of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice in providing legal representation for indigent individuals involved in civil commitment proceedings. The bill specifies that the term "board" refers to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, replacing the previous reference to the Office of State Counsel for Offenders. It mandates that the board is responsible for representing indigent persons in these proceedings, and if the board is unable to do so, the court is required to appoint alternative counsel.

The bill also includes a reorganization of the language for clarity, with specific insertions and deletions to streamline the process of legal representation for indigent individuals. The changes aim to ensure that individuals facing civil commitment have access to legal counsel, thereby reinforcing their rights within the legal system. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 841.005 (Health and Safety Code 841)
House Committee Report: Health and Safety Code 841.005 (Health and Safety Code 841)
Engrossed: Health and Safety Code 841.005 (Health and Safety Code 841)