BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1644

By: Smithee

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested citizens note that many states have added civility language to the oath a person takes to become an attorney in order to promote a standard of civility in the legal profession. H.B. 1644 seeks to address the matter of establishing a standard of civility as it applies to the conduct of a person admitted to practice law in Texas.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1644 amends the Government Code to add to the contents of the oath required of each person admitted to practice law in Texas, before the person receives a license to practice law in Texas, that the person will conduct oneself with integrity and civility in dealing and communicating with the court and all parties.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2015.