SRC-AAA S.B. 768 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 768
By: Brown
Economic Development
4-29-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Supreme Court of Texas is authorized to promulgate certain
rules governing the practice and procedure in civil actions, as well as
rules relating to the licensing of attorneys in this state.  These rules
have a large impact on the legal industry. S.B. 768  prohibits the Supreme
Court of Texas from adopting rules interfering with an attorney's ability
to contract in a free market and rules discouraging competition among
attorneys.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 768  prohibits the Supreme Court of Texas from adopting
rules interfering with an attorney's ability to contract in a free market
and rules discouraging competition among attorneys.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Title 2G, Government Code, by adding Chapter 84, as
follows: 

CHAPTER 84. RULES RELATING TO ATTORNEY'S FEES

Sec. 84.001. CERTAIN RULES PROHIBITED.  Prohibits the supreme court from
adopting rules interfering with an attorney's ability to contract in a
free market and rules discouraging competition among attorneys to provide
legal services at reasonable fees. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.