SRC-DPW H.B. 1507 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1507 By: Wolens (Duncan) Jurisprudence 4/23/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, Texas law prohibits the unauthorized practice of law. A federal court in Dallas has held that the sale of a software product constituted the unauthorized practice of law, as defined in the Government Code. This bill would define the practice of law. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1507 defines the practice of law. 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 Section 81.101, Government Code, by adding Subsection (c), to define "practice of law." Provides that this subsection does not authorize the use of products or similar media, defined in "practice of law," in violation of Chapter 83 and does not affect the applicability or enforceability of that chapter. SECTION 2.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.