88R12865 AMF-F
By: Bryant H.B. No. 3429
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to access to justice courts by legal aid offices or other
providers of pro bono legal services.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 27, Government Code, is
amended by adding Section 27.007 to read as follows:
Sec. 27.007. ACCESS TO JUSTICE COURTS FOR PROVISION OF PRO
BONO LEGAL SERVICES. On request of a legal aid office or other
provider of pro bono legal services, each justice of the peace shall
permit one or more representatives of the office or provider to be
present in the justice court, including during in-person or remote
proceedings, to conduct intakes or provide information, referrals,
or other legal services to eligible litigants.
SECTION 2. Section 38.12, Penal Code, is amended by adding
Subsection (h-1) to read as follows:
(h-1) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (d)
that the attorney is engaged in conduct authorized under Section
27.007, Government Code.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.