Texas House Bill HB2640

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/9/11
• Refer: 3/16/11

Caption

Relating to the use of certain information by the State Bar of Texas to notify a person licensed to practice law in this state of accredited continuing legal education activities.

Impact

The implementation of HB2640 is expected to revise the current procedures under Section 552.1176 of the Government Code by enabling the State Bar to notify attorneys more efficiently about accredited CLE activities. This change is anticipated to facilitate greater participation among legal professionals in ongoing education, which is essential for maintaining high standards within the legal field. By making these notifications more accessible, the bill aims to promote professional development and continuing education critical for legal practitioners.

Summary

House Bill 2640 focuses on enhancing the communication between the State Bar of Texas and licensed attorneys regarding accredited continuing legal education (CLE) activities. The legislative intent of the bill proposes that the State Bar be allowed to use specific personal information when notifying attorneys about upcoming CLE events. This includes options for notifications via regular mail or email, depending on the preference of the event sponsor. The bill is aimed at streamlining the notification process and ensuring attorneys have access to necessary educational opportunities to maintain their licensure.

Sentiment

The general sentiment toward HB2640 appears to be supportive among legal professionals and advocates for education within the legal field. By allowing the State Bar to utilize attorneys' information for educational notifications, proponents argue that it can lead to increased engagement in CLE, ultimately benefiting the legal profession's overall competency. However, there could be concerns regarding privacy and the extent of information used, which might lead to some contention from privacy advocates.

Contention

Notable points of contention stem from potential concerns about privacy and data usage. While the bill intends to enhance communication regarding education opportunities, critics might argue against the implications of using personal information without explicit consent. Another area of debate could center on whether this amendment to the law appropriately balances the need for professional development with individual privacy rights, potentially leading to discussions on how to ensure the protection of attorneys' information while fostering educational growth.