Texas House Bill HB2251

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to certain deceptive advertising of legal services; imposing civil penalties.

Impact

The implementation of HB2251 will have significant implications on the regulation of advertisements in the legal field. By establishing clear guidelines and requirements for legal advertisements, including mandatory disclosures, the bill aims to create a more ethical environment for marketing legal services. Additionally, it introduces civil penalties for violations, authorizing the attorney general or local prosecutors to enforce compliance. These measures are designed to deter deceptive practices and ensure that consumers receive clear and accurate information when seeking legal assistance.

Summary

House Bill 2251 introduces amendments to the Texas Government Code specifically targeting deceptive advertising practices in the legal services sector. The bill defines what constitutes an advertisement and sets forth strict regulations against misleading advertising tactics that may misrepresent legal services. Key prohibitions include misusing terms like 'medical alert' or suggesting an endorsement from government agencies, ensuring that advertisements do not falsely advertise their nature or urgency. These changes intend to enhance transparency in legal advertising and protect potential clients from being misled by deceptive practices.

Contention

There may be concerns regarding the breadth of the definitions and regulations introduced by HB2251. Some stakeholders might argue that the bill could inadvertently limit legitimate advertising efforts, as the line between persuasive legal marketing and deceptive advertising can be subjective. Moreover, while the bill aims to eliminate misleading advertisements, questions remain about how effectively violations will be monitored and prosecuted, particularly in the vast digital landscape where many advertisements appear.