House Bill 1012, also known as Senate Bill 1107, amends the Tennessee Code Annotated to clarify the accountability of attorneys regarding their conduct in legal proceedings. The bill establishes that attorneys acting on behalf of clients are not immune from prosecution for specific offenses, including perjury, aggravated perjury, subornation of perjury, tampering with or fabricating evidence, destruction of governmental records, and coercion of witnesses. This amendment aims to reinforce the expectation that attorneys must adhere to the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct and maintain honesty and integrity in their dealings with the court.

The bill emphasizes the importance of truth in the legal system and the detrimental effects of misleading the court, which can undermine public trust and the rule of law. By explicitly stating that attorneys can be prosecuted for these serious offenses, the legislation seeks to hold legal professionals accountable for their actions and ensure that the legal profession remains honorable and just. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law, prioritizing the public welfare.