Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3920

Caption

Relating to the establishment of the inmate legal services office and to the appointment and compensation of certain legal counsel for certain indigent inmates and other persons in secure correctional facilities.

Impact

The establishment of the inmate legal services office is expected to enhance the delivery of legal assistance to inmates facing civil commitment proceedings and other legal challenges. By creating a dedicated office that focuses on inmate legal services, the bill aims to ensure that indigent individuals receive competent legal representation. Moreover, the bill modifies existing laws to assign responsibilities for representation and compensation, which may lead to improvements in the quality of defense provided to inmates who otherwise might not receive adequate legal assistance.

Summary

House Bill 3920 proposes the establishment of an inmate legal services office within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, aimed at ensuring proper legal representation for indigent inmates and other individuals in secure correctional facilities. This bill introduces a framework for appointing legal counsel to those who cannot afford representation, thereby addressing significant gaps in access to legal services for vulnerable populations within the correctional system. The primary objective of the bill is to uphold the rights of individuals in custody while navigating the complexities of the legal system.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB 3920 is the potential challenge of implementing adequate funding and resources for the newly established office. Questions may arise regarding the capacity of the office to handle the volume of cases effectively, the quality of representation if resources are insufficient, and the balance between public funding for these legal services versus other criminal justice priorities. Additionally, there may be concerns from various stakeholders regarding how this bill might interact with existing legal aid programs and whether it provides sufficient safeguards to ensure compliance with professional conduct standards among attorneys serving in this role.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB937

Relating to the establishment of the inmate legal services office and to the appointment and compensation of certain legal counsel for certain indigent inmates and other persons in secure correctional facilities.

TX HB1170

Relating to policies and standards for providing legal representation to indigent defendants in certain capital felony cases.

TX HB1528

Relating to magistration proceedings for criminal defendants and the retention of related records, to services and representation provided to indigent criminal defendants and indigent juveniles, and to the governance and administration of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission.

TX SB2120

Relating to the establishment of a family protection representation program within the Texas Indigent Defense Commission.

TX HB2887

Relating to eligibility for custodial officer service in the Employees Retirement System of Texas by certain juvenile correctional officers and caseworkers employed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

TX HB416

Relating to the appointment of attorneys representing indigent defendants in criminal proceedings.

TX HB3079

Relating to a pilot program for the provision of free legal representation to certain indigent tenants in eviction suits.

TX HB409

Relating to the governance and administration of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission and to certain disclosures made in relation to the provision of funding for indigent defense services.

TX SB1179

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB462

Relating to certain products made by inmates of a correctional facility.

Similar Bills

TX HB2647

Relating to the establishment of the inmate legal services office and to the appointment and compensation of certain legal counsel for certain indigent inmates and other persons in secure correctional facilities.

TX HB937

Relating to the establishment of the inmate legal services office and to the appointment and compensation of certain legal counsel for certain indigent inmates and other persons in secure correctional facilities.

TX HB1605

Relating to the establishment of the inmate legal services office and to the appointment and compensation of certain legal counsel for certain indigent inmates and other persons in secure correctional facilities.

TX HB1676

Relating to the establishment of the capital appellate defense committee and the office of capital appellate defender.

TX SB1091

Relating to the establishment of the capital writs committee and the office of capital writs and to the appointment and compensation of certain counsel for indigent defendants in a capital case.

TX HB3003

Relating to the appointment of counsel in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship.

TX SB1930

Relating to the appointment of counsel in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship.

TX HB3580

Relating to the establishment of the capital writs committee and the office of capital writs.