Unauthorized Practice of Law Amendments

The statute of limitations for unauthorized practice of law cases now begins when the victim discovers the violation, rather than the day the violation occurred.

A new definition for 'client' was added to clarify who has the right to bring a civil action against an unauthorized practitioner.

The criminal penalty section was modified to remove a specific provision regarding prior convictions, simplifying the conditions under which the offense becomes a felony.

The Senate sponsor was changed from 'LONG TITLE' to 'Brady Brammer,' and the effective date was updated from May 6, 2026, to May 28, 2026.

Updated language to replace 'individual' with 'person' and 'himself or herself' with 'oneself' for consistency and inclusivity throughout the statute.

Added a reference to Subsection (7) in the court's authority to issue injunctions, ensuring that injunctions are subject to specific evidentiary standards.

Clarified that proof of monetary damages is not required for a court to issue an injunction against someone engaging in the unauthorized practice of law.

Reorganized and clarified the three-year statute of limitations for civil actions, specifying when the clock starts ticking for both the State Bar and individual clients.

Explicitly stated that the statute of limitations for unauthorized practice of law cases does not begin until the client discovers or should have discovered the violation.