By: A. Johnson of Harris H.B. No. 2919       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the appointment of guardians ad litem for persons   younger than 18 years of age in criminal and juvenile court   proceedings.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 1, Code of Criminal Procedure, is   amended by adding Article 1.0515 to read as follows:          Art. 1.0515.  MANDATORY APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN AD LITEM.   If the defendant in a criminal proceeding is a person younger than   18 years of age who is charged with an offense other than a traffic   offense or a misdemeanor punishable by fine only, the court shall   appoint a guardian ad litem to protect the interests of the person   in the proceeding.          SECTION 2.  Sections 51.11(b) and (c), Family Code, are   amended to read as follows:          (b)  In any case in which it appears to the juvenile court   that the child's parent or guardian is incapable or unwilling to   make decisions in the best interest of the child with respect to   proceedings under this title, the court shall upon motion of any   party or court presiding over the matter affecting the interest of   the child [may] appoint a guardian ad litem to protect the interests   of the child in the proceedings.          (c)  The following may not be appointed guardian ad litem:                (1)  the [An] attorney for athe child; or                (2)  a [may also be his guardian ad litem. A]   law-enforcement officer, probation officer, or other employee of   the juvenile court [may not be appointed guardian ad litem].          SECTION 3.  (a) Article 1.0515, Code of Criminal Procedure,   as added by this Act, applies to a criminal proceeding that   commences on or after the effective date of this Act. A criminal   proceeding that commences before the effective date of this Act is   governed by the law in effect on the date the proceeding commenced,   and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.          (b)  Sections 51.11(b) and (c), Family Code, as amended by   this Act, apply to a case in a juvenile court that commences on or   after the effective date of this Act. A case that commences before   the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on   the date the case commenced, and the former law is continued in   effect for that purpose.          SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.