Enrolled Bill Summary

House Bill 1519	House Author:  Smith, Todd et al.
Effective:  Vetoed	Senate Sponsor:  Carona

            House Bill 1519 amends the Penal Code to make it an offense for certain health care professionals or private investigators, with the intent to obtain professional employment, to solicit or cause to be solicited in person or by phone, before the 31st day after the date an accident or disaster occurred, employment related to a personal injury sustained in an accident or disaster involving the solicited person or a relative of that person.  A first offense is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor and a subsequent offense as a third degree felony.

      Reason Given for Veto: "House Bill No. 1519 does not include attorneys in the new section (d-1) it creates for the offense of barratry and solicitation of professional employment. The new section prohibits in person or telephone contact before 31 days have passed since an accident; however attorneys are included in the current law in section (d), which covers improper written communications. The criminal acts covered by the statute should contain identical provisions for all covered professions."