H.B. No. 1387 amends the Government Code to update the eligibility requirements for individuals seeking to take the bar examination for a license to practice law in Texas. The bill allows the Supreme Court to establish rules that include provisions for ensuring candidates possess good moral character, adequate prelegal study, and at least two years of study or practical experience in the legal field. Specifically, it introduces options for fulfilling this requirement through a prescribed course of study, a supervised apprenticeship with a licensed attorney, or professional experience as a paralegal.
Additionally, the bill modifies the notification process for candidates regarding their character and fitness evaluations, ensuring that all applicants receive timely updates on their status. It clarifies the definition of an "approved law school" and outlines the specific criteria that candidates must meet to be eligible for the examination. The Texas Supreme Court and the Board of Law Examiners are tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement these changes, which will take effect on September 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Introduced: Government Code 82.022, Government Code 82.023, Government Code 82.024 (Government Code 82)