The bill amends Section 82.064 of the Government Code to prohibit county judges and county clerks who are licensed to practice law from appearing and practicing as attorneys in certain courts. Specifically, county judges are barred from practicing in any court within their county or in any other county or justice court, except in cases where the court has neither original nor appellate jurisdiction. Similarly, county clerks are restricted from practicing in the supreme court, court of criminal appeals, court of appeals, district court, or any county or justice court unless the court has neither original nor appellate jurisdiction.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that prohibits county commissioners who are licensed to practice law from appearing and practicing as attorneys 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 (Local Government Code 171, Government Code 82)