Honorable Will Hartnett, Chair, House Committee on Judicial Affairs
FROM:
John Keel, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB532 by Williams (Relating to the acceptance of a referral fee or gift by certain judges; providing a criminal penalty.), Committee Report 2nd House, Substituted
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Government Code, Chapter 33 relating to the acceptance of a referral fee or gift by certain judges and to providing a criminal penalty. The bill would prohibit certain judges' solicitation or acceptance of referral fees or gifts from an attorney or law firm, except in certain circumstances.Additionally, the bill would make the prohibited conduct a Class B misdemeanor and would allow the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to sanction or institute formal proceedings against a judge who violates the new provision. The bill would take effect on September 1, 2003.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.