Relating to a person's eligibility to sit for the examination for a license to practice law in this state.
HB 1387 amends Texas law to expand eligibility pathways for taking the bar exam to become a licensed attorney. It adds two new options beyond traditional law school: completing a two-year apprenticeship under a licensed Texas attorney or gaining two years of full-time paralegal work experience in Texas. The bill specifically defines "approved law school" and requires the Texas Supreme Court to establish rules ensuring candidates meet character, education, and practical experience standards. This change directly affects individuals seeking to practice law in Texas who do not attend a traditional law school. The bill is currently pending in committee as of May 2025.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 11, 2025
Last action May 8, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
9
Key actions
3
Committee
4
May 8, 2025
Lower · Passed
Left pending in committee
lower
Apr 23, 2025
Lower · Passed
Left pending in committee
lower
Apr 23, 2025
Lower · Passed
Testimony taken/registration(s) recorded in committee
lower
Mar 11, 2025
Committee
Referred to Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
lower
Mar 11, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
4 primary · 12 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Brent Money
RRepublican
P
Briscoe Cain
RRepublican
P
Cody Vasut
RRepublican
P
Wes Virdell
RRepublican
Co
A.J. Louderback
RRepublican
Co
Andy Hopper
RRepublican
Co
Don McLaughlin
RRepublican
Co
Ellen Troxclair
RRepublican
Co
Helen Kerwin
RRepublican
Co
Katrina Pierson
RRepublican
Co
Keresa Richardson
RRepublican
Co
Liz Campos
DDemocratic
Co
Nate Schatzline
RRepublican
Co
Shelley Luther
RRepublican
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