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Bill

HB 2707

Relating to the licensing and regulation of certain legal paraprofessionals; requiring an occupational license; imposing fees.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Barbara Gervin-Hawkins

HB 2707 requires Texas legal paraprofessionals to obtain state occupational licenses and pay associated fees to establish regulatory standards and consumer protections.

Referred to Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
#courts--general(i0160) #courts--personnel(i0155) #criminalprocedure--general(i0208) #lawexaminers #boardof(vt1oy) #lawyers(i0515) #occupationalregulation--othertrades&professions(i0541) #supremecourt(v0311)
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Bill Summary · HB 2707

Legislative bill overview

HB 2707 would create a new occupational licensing framework for certain legal paraprofessionals in Texas, requiring them to obtain state licenses to practice. The bill establishes regulatory requirements and associated licensing fees for these professionals who currently operate in a largely unregulated capacity.

Why is this important

Currently, legal paraprofessionals (such as legal document preparers, paralegals in independent practice, and other non-lawyer legal service providers) operate with minimal state oversight in Texas. This bill would create standards, consumer protections, and professional accountability while potentially affecting access to affordable legal services and creating barriers to entry for practitioners in this field.

Potential points of contention

  • Access to justice concerns: Licensing requirements with fees may increase costs for legal paraprofessionals, potentially raising prices for consumers seeking affordable legal assistance below attorney rates
  • Scope of practice definition: The bill's specificity regarding which paraprofessionals require licensing and what services they can perform may be unclear or controversial, affecting existing practitioners differently
  • Regulatory burden vs. consumer protection: Balancing the need to protect consumers from unqualified practitioners against restricting legitimate lower-cost legal service providers and limiting professional mobility

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

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