Relating to a study and report on online law schools and on the licensing of attorneys who obtain degrees through online or correspondence law schools or who become licensed through other nontraditional methods.
If enacted, HB 2446 would directly impact the Education Code by introducing Section 61.0908, thereby setting a precedent for recognizing online law programs and alternative pathways to legal licensure. This act calls for a report to be submitted to the governor and legislature, providing them with data and recommendations by the end of 2016. The intent is to modernize and potentially broaden the criteria for admitting legal professionals into the Texas bar, reflecting the changing landscape of legal education facilitated by technology.
House Bill 2446 is an act that seeks to examine the role and future of online law schools in Texas, specifically focusing on the licensing of attorneys who obtain their degrees through such programs. The bill mandates the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, in collaboration with the Board of Law Examiners, to conduct a comprehensive study that includes evaluating online and correspondence law schools in other states as well as alternative licensing procedures such as legal apprenticeship programs. The study's findings are expected to inform future legislative actions regarding the accreditation and licensing of attorneys in Texas.
Notably, the bill does not specify immediate changes to existing practices but sets a framework for exploration and potential reform in the future. There may be contention regarding the recognition of nontraditional education methods and how they align with the quality standards expected of legal professionals. Critics could argue that lower standards for accreditation might undermine the integrity of the legal profession, while supporters may advocate for broader access to legal education, particularly for individuals unable to enroll in traditional law schools.