The bill, H.B. No. 4260, seeks to prohibit county judges, county clerks, and county commissioners who are licensed to practice law from appearing and practicing as attorneys in certain courts. Specifically, it amends Section 82.064 of the Government Code to state that a county judge may not practice law in any court within the county they serve or in any other county or justice court unless the court has neither original nor appellate jurisdiction. Similarly, it restricts county clerks from practicing in higher courts and any county or justice court under the same jurisdictional conditions.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that explicitly prohibits county commissioners who are licensed attorneys from practicing in any court of appeals, district court, county court, or justice court within the jurisdiction of the county they serve. The bill also repeals Sections 171.010(c) and (d) of the Local Government Code. The changes will apply only to actions or proceedings filed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 82.064, Local Government Code 171.010 (Government Code 82, Local Government Code 171)