In 2017, the Texas Legislature amended Chapter 81 of the Government Code to create the Committee on Disciplinary Rules and Referenda (CDRR) and to overhaul the disciplinary rule proposal process. Under the new process, a proposed rule must be approved by the CDRR, the State Bar Board of Directors, State Bar membership, and the Supreme Court of Texas.
The Board approved eight rule proposals recommended by the CDRR. The CDRR previously published each proposal for public comment and held public hearings on the proposals.
On September 25, 2020, the Board voted to petition the Supreme Court for a rules vote.
The Supreme Court ordered a rules vote on September 29, 2020.
Voting began on February 2, 2021, and ended on March 4, 2021, at 5 p.m. CST.
Rule proposals address the following subjects:
A. | Scope and Objectives of Representation; Clients with Diminished Capacity |
B. | Confidentiality of Information - Exception to Permit Disclosure to Secure Legal Ethics Advice |
C. | Confidentiality of Information - Exception to Permit Disclosure to Prevent Client Death by Suicide |
D. | Conflict of Interest Exceptions for Nonprofit and Limited Pro Bono Legal Services |
E. | Information About Legal Services (Lawyer Advertising and Solicitation) |
F. | Reporting Professional Misconduct and Reciprocal Discipline for Federal Court or Federal Agency Discipline |
G. | Assignment of Judges in Disciplinary Complaints and Related Provisions |
H. | Voluntary Appointment of Custodian Attorney for Cessation of Practice |
This site provides an overview of all rule proposals included in the 2021 Rules Vote.
The proposed rule changes will be published in the January 2022 issue of the Texas Bar Journal.
For background information on each rule proposal, please visit the Docketed Requests page on the CDRR site.
View proposed rule changes and detailed summaries
Electronic copy of the rules vote ballot
Information on dates of public forums, how to participate, and recordings
Get information on how to vote
Learn more about the proposed rules and how to vote
Contact us with questions or for additional information