House Bill 1012 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated to clarify the accountability of attorneys regarding their conduct in legal proceedings. The bill introduces a new section that specifies that attorneys acting on behalf of clients are not immune from prosecution for certain offenses, including perjury, aggravated perjury, subornation of perjury, tampering with or fabricating evidence, destruction of governmental records, and coercion or persuasion of a witness. This change emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in the legal profession, reinforcing that attorneys must adhere to the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct and can face serious consequences for misconduct.

The bill highlights the critical role of attorneys as officers of the court and their duty to maintain the integrity of the legal system. It underscores that violations of professional conduct, particularly those involving deception or misleading information, can lead to significant disciplinary actions, including disbarment. By addressing the conflict between the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct and the common law litigation privilege, the bill seeks to ensure that attorneys are held accountable for any deliberate misinformation or subornation of perjury, thereby preserving public trust in the justice system.