H.B. No. 1528 proposes the licensing and regulation of legal paraprofessionals in Texas, establishing a framework for their practice and oversight. The bill amends various sections of the Government Code, including the addition of "AND LEGAL PARAPROFESSIONALS" to the headings of Subtitle G and Chapter 82, and introduces a new Subchapter E-3 titled "LEGAL PARAPROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE." This new subchapter outlines the disciplinary jurisdiction of the supreme court and the Commission for Lawyer Discipline over licensed legal paraprofessionals, as well as the establishment of rules of professional conduct applicable to them.

Additionally, the bill creates a new Subchapter E under Chapter 82, detailing the licensing process for legal paraprofessionals. It specifies eligibility requirements, including age, education, work authorization, and moral character, as well as the need to pass an examination administered by the Board of Law Examiners. The bill allows licensed legal paraprofessionals to represent clients in certain civil matters without attorney supervision, provided they meet specific requirements, such as obtaining client self-certification and executing a written agreement outlining the scope of their representation. The Texas Supreme Court is tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement these provisions, with the act set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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