BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1020

By: Smithee

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties point to a prohibition against an inactive member of the State Bar of Texas practicing law in Texas as one reason for a lack of participation in the bar's emeritus attorneys pro bono participation program. H.B. 1020 seeks to increase the pool of available attorneys for volunteer practice by creating an exception to that prohibition, as provided by rule promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas for volunteer practice.

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. 1020 amends the Government Code to create an exception for volunteer practice to the prohibition against an inactive member of the State Bar of Texas practicing law in Texas, as provided by rule promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.