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Bill

HB 4573

Relating to civil liability, including sanctions, for prohibited barratry.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Cody Vasut

HB 4573 expands civil liability and sanctions for barratry (lawsuit solicitation) in Texas, creating additional remedies against parties that improperly incite litigation.

Referred to Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
#civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #lawyers(i0515)
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Bill Summary · HB 4573

Legislative bill overview

HB 4573 addresses civil liability and sanctions related to barratry in Texas. Barratry refers to the solicitation of lawsuits or the stirring up of litigation, which is already criminalized under Texas law. This bill appears to expand or clarify civil remedies and penalties for individuals or entities engaged in prohibited barratry practices.

Why is this important

Barratry enforcement directly impacts the integrity of the civil justice system by deterring frivolous or maliciously solicited lawsuits. This bill could affect attorney conduct standards, litigation funding practices, and claim solicitation by adjusters or brokers, with implications for how Texas courts handle abuse of process cases and what remedies are available to defendants harmed by barratrous conduct.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: Whether the bill's barratry definition adequately distinguishes between legitimate legal marketing and prohibited solicitation, potentially affecting attorney advertising rights
  • Civil vs. criminal enforcement: Unclear whether expanded civil liability duplicates existing criminal penalties or creates additional exposure that could be viewed as punitive
  • Who bears liability: Questions about whether liability extends only to attorneys or also to third parties like litigation funders, claim adjusters, and marketing companies

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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