Honorable John Whitmire, Chair, Senate Committee on Criminal Justice
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.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Government Code, Chapter 33 to prohibit a judge’s 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.