Bill
HB 1531
84(R) - 2015
House General Investigating & Ethics
House General Investigating & Ethics
General Investigating & Ethics
Vote Recommendation
Yes
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Positive
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Neutral
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Neutral
Author(s)
Charlie Geren
Bill Caption
Relating to the making and receiving of referrals for legal services by certain legislators and executive officers; creating a criminal offense.
Fiscal Notes
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
This legislation would amend Government Code to create a Class A misdemeanor for certain elected
officials to make or receive referrals for legal services for compensation or any other benefit
unless the referral complies with the State Bar of Texas rules or is evidenced by a written contract
between parties.
Vote Recommendation Notes
We support this legislation under the personal responsibility principle. A member of the legislature or an executive officer elected to a statewide position who also is an attorney, and practices law as a profession may benefit
personally from receiving legal referrals because of that individual's capacity as an elected
official. This bill would require prohibit any referrals, as it would potentially cause conflicts of interest.
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