Texas House Bill HB3655

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/11/11
• Refer: 3/23/11

Caption

Relating to the State Bar of Texas membership dues and minimum continuing legal education requirements for an attorney employed by the office of the attorney general.

Impact

The changes proposed in HB3655 impact state law by amending the Government Code to include provisions that specifically benefit attorneys employed in certain public roles. By exempting these attorneys from membership dues, the bill effectively encourages and supports public service careers within the legal framework of Texas. Additionally, the proposed crediting system for CLE compliance acknowledges the contributions of attorneys in public service roles, aligning educational requirements with their professional practices and responsibilities.

Summary

House Bill 3655 modifies the laws surrounding membership dues and continuing legal education (CLE) requirements for attorneys employed by the Office of the Attorney General in Texas. The bill stipulates that any attorney employed full-time by the Attorney General's office is not required to pay membership fees for the State Bar of Texas for the year of their employment. Furthermore, the bill purports to credit attorneys who work full-time in specific legislative and public service roles with meeting the CLE requirements mandated by the State Bar.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB3655 appears to be supportive from those who advocate for the legal professionals within state service. Supporters may view the measure as a recognition of the contributions made by attorneys in public service, promoting a more generous and realistic approach to professional obligations. Conversely, there are potential concerns regarding the fiscal implications of waiving dues for a segment of legal professionals, as well as ensuring that all attorneys, regardless of their employment status, are held to the same standards of professional education.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise over the exemption from membership dues and how this impacts funding for the State Bar, which relies on these fees for its operations. Some stakeholders may argue that these provisions could set a precedent that undermines the sustainability of the Bar's budget. Moreover, debates around the justification for exempting specific attorneys could also surface, questioning fairness and equity among legal professionals across Texas.