Relating to the State Bar of Texas membership dues for an attorney employed by the office of the attorney general.
Impact
The passage of HB1072 means that governmental attorneys may have increased financial relief, enhancing their ability to serve the public without the financial pressure of annual membership fees. With the state's legal representation bolstered through this provision, there may also be implications for how local governments handle legal affairs, potentially widening the pool of qualified attorneys willing to serve in government roles, given the decreased financial barrier. Additionally, it will require the State Bar to adopt rules regarding fee proration for those who are not continuously employed by the government, ensuring fairness within the legal profession.
Summary
House Bill 1072 seeks to amend the Government Code of Texas regarding the membership dues for attorneys employed by state government entities. The bill establishes that full-time attorneys working for Texas governmental bodies, including boards, commissions, and agencies, will be exempt from paying the annual membership fee to the State Bar of Texas while they remain in good standing. This exemption is noteworthy as it aims to support government attorneys in focusing more on their legal responsibilities without the additional burden of fees that their private sector counterparts may face.
Contention
While the bill appears to provide benefits for state-employed attorneys, it could provoke some debate regarding the allocation of state resources and the precedent of exempting specific professionals from fees. As legal profession funding often relies on membership dues, the long-term financial effects on the State Bar of Texas and its ability to provide services or efficacy could be questioned. Also, there may be concerns from the private legal sector regarding parity and fairness of such provisions, as similar exemptions are not extended to private practice attorneys.
Relating to service retirement benefits payable by the Employees Retirement System of Texas to commissioned peace officers employed by the attorney general.
Relating to service retirement benefits payable by the Employees Retirement System of Texas to commissioned peace officers employed by the attorney general.
Relating to the enforcement of certain election laws by district attorneys, criminal district attorneys, and county attorneys; providing a civil penalty.
School aid: membership; requirements concerning counting pupils in membership; modify for pupils enrolled in certain work-based learning experiences. Amends secs. 6 & 11 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1606 & 388.1611) & adds sec. 61e.
School aid: other; the state school aid act of 1979; modify to reflect repealed abortion laws. Amends sec. 6 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1606). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4949'23
School aid: membership; pupil membership count day and the supplemental pupil count; modify to provide for an alternative day for the counting of pupils who are absent due to a religious observance or holiday. Amends secs. 6 & 6a of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1606 & 388.1606a).
School aid: membership; requirements concerning counting pupils in membership; modify for pupils enrolled in certain work-based learning experiences. Amends secs. 6 & 11 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1606 & 388.1611) & adds sec. 61e.
School aid: membership; requirements concerning counting pupils in membership; modify for pupils enrolled in certain work-based learning experiences. Amend secs. 6 & 11 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1606 & 388.1611) & adds sec. 61e.