Bill: HB 1531, 84(R) - 2015

Committee

House General Investigating & Ethics

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral 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. 

Source URL (retrieved on 03/29/2024 06:03 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/hb1531?print_view=true