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HB 2733

Relating to the prosecution of the criminal offenses of prohibited barratry and solicitation of professional employment.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Terry Canales and 1 co-sponsor

HB 2733 adjusts Texas criminal penalties and prosecution standards for attorney barratry and professional solicitation, effective September 1, 2025.

Effective on 9/1/25
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Bill Summary · HB 2733

Legislative bill overview

HB 2733 modifies Texas criminal law regarding barratry (soliciting legal business) and related offenses by adjusting prosecution standards and definitions. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after receiving bipartisan sponsorship and passing both chambers with gubernatorial approval.

Why is this important

Barratry laws affect how attorneys can market services and how legal professionals face criminal liability. Changes to these statutes impact both the legal profession's operational freedoms and consumer protections against unethical solicitation practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Professional freedom vs. regulation: Attorneys may view barratry law reforms as either necessary modernization of outdated restrictions or problematic loosening of ethical standards
  • Consumer protection scope: Unclear whether modifications adequately protect vulnerable populations from aggressive legal solicitation while allowing legitimate client outreach
  • Enforcement clarity: Changes to prosecution standards could create ambiguity about what constitutes criminal versus permissible professional solicitation, complicating enforcement

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

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