BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1492
By: Williams
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The Supreme Court of Texas oversees the State Bar of Texas, grievance committees, continuing education, and other matters involving Texas attorneys and their dealings with the citizens of this state. The supreme court could reasonably and justifiably use increased funds to educate the public about lawyers and support other, ever increasing, administrative functions of the judiciary.
As proposed, S.B. 1492 provides the required statutory change to mirror the Senate Finance Committee's proposal in S.B. 1 to increase the attorney license fee from $10 to $150. This one-time fee is assessed an individual who has recently passed the state bar examination and is certified by the supreme court to practice law in Texas. The fee was last amended in 1985.
As provided by S.B. 1, the additional fees generated will pay for various staff attorney and law clerk salary increases, finance the supreme court's web-casting project, and provide additional funds for the rules function of the supreme court.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 51.006, Government Code, as follows:
Sec. 51.006. FEE FOR ATTORNEY'S LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE. Requires the clerk to collect a fee of $150, rather than $10, for the issuance of an attorney's license or certificate affixed with a seal.
SECTION 2. Amends Section 101.021, Government Code, as follows:
Sec. 101.021. SUPREME COURT FEES AND COSTS. Makes a conforming change.
SECTION 3. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2005.