Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

______________________________ JUDICIARY
77 th Texas Legislature
Recusal Requirements of Attorneys and Law Clerks - S.B. 1210
by Senator West
House Sponsors: Representatives Dunnam and Goodman
Provides that this Act applies only to an attorney or law clerk employed by a court of this state for a
specified and limited term.
Requires such attorney or law clerk who has entered into an agreement for employment with or accepted a
benefit from a law firm or private entity to file a statement with the court’s clerk or a public information
officer. The statement must include the names of the attorney or law clerk and the law firm or other private
entity, any benefit the attorney or law clerk has received or anticipates receiving from the law firm or entity
in connection with the employment, and any other information required by court rule.
Provides this information is a public record.
Prohibits an attorney or law clerk who has entered into an agreement for employment with, or accepted a
benefit from, a law firm or private entity from participating during his or her employment with the court in
any matter before the court involving the law firm or entity.
Prohibits the attorney or law clerk, following termination of employment with the court, from:
• participating on behalf of the law firm or private entity in any matter that was pending before the
court during the period the attorney or law clerk was employed by the court; and
• until the first anniversary of the date of the termination of employment, pleading or appearing on
behalf of the law firm or private entity in any matter before the court.
Provides that a recusal from participation must be made by public order of the court.
Provides that an attorney who violates this Act is subject to sanctions by the State Bar of Texas.
Magistrate Must Determine if Arrested Person is Currently on Bail - S.B. 1807
by Senator Ogden
House Sponsor: Representative Keel
Requires a magistrate to determine whether a person arrested is currently on bail for a separate criminal
offense before admitting that person to bail.
Senate Research Center 181