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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to access to justice courts by legal aid offices or other |
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providers of pro bono legal services. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 27, Government Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 27.007 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 27.007. ACCESS TO JUSTICE COURTS FOR PROVISION OF PRO |
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BONO LEGAL SERVICES. On request of a legal aid office or other |
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provider of pro bono legal services, each justice of the peace shall |
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permit one or more representatives of the office or provider to be |
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present in the justice court, including during in-person or remote |
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proceedings, to conduct intakes or provide information, referrals, |
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or other legal services to eligible litigants. |
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SECTION 2. Section 38.12, Penal Code, is amended by adding |
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Subsection (h-1) to read as follows: |
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(h-1) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (d) |
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that the attorney is engaged in conduct authorized under Section |
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27.007, Government Code. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |