H.B. No. 2733 amends the Texas Penal Code to enhance the prosecution of offenses related to prohibited barratry and solicitation of professional employment. The bill specifies that a person commits an offense if they knowingly solicit employment through various means, including in-person, telephone, direct messages on social media, or other electronic communications, particularly if these communications are false, misleading, or deceptive. Additionally, it outlines specific conditions under which attorneys and other licensed professionals may not provide unsolicited legal representation or advice, particularly in sensitive situations such as personal injury or wrongful death cases.

The bill also clarifies that the changes in law will only apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that any offenses occurring prior to this date will be governed by the previous law. This legislative update aims to strengthen regulations against unethical solicitation practices in professional fields, thereby protecting potential clients from deceptive practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 38.12 (Penal Code 38)
House Committee Report: Penal Code 38.12 (Penal Code 38)
Engrossed: Penal Code 38.12 (Penal Code 38)
Senate Committee Report: Penal Code 38.12 (Penal Code 38)
Enrolled: Penal Code 38.12 (Penal Code 38)