HB 2169
AN ACT relating to certain contracts for the lease, license, sale, use, or
89th Regular Session
Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended
Awaiting Committee Assignment
Bill filed, pending referral to House committee
Committee
Not yet assigned
Fiscal Note
Not available
What This Bill Does
Restricts the State Bar of Texas from entering into exclusive contracts for its intellectual property, requiring that any such contracts must be offered to all interested entities under identical standard terms. The legislation mandates that the State Bar's board of directors follow specific purchasing guidelines consistent with state regulations and ensures that all intellectual property licensing remains non-exclusive and transparently available. The changes apply to contracts entered into on or after the bill's effective date, with the aim of promoting fair and open access to the State Bar's intellectual assets.
Subject Areas
Bill Text
relating to certain contracts for the lease, license, sale, use, or distribution of the State Bar of Texas' intellectual property. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 81.015, Government Code, is amended to Sec. 81.015. CONTRACTS. (a) To carry out and promote the objectives of this chapter, subject to Subsection (b), the state bar may enter into contracts and perform [do] all other acts incidental to those contracts that are necessary or expedient for the administration of its affairs and for the attainment of its (b) The state bar may not enter into a contract authorizing an entity to exclusively lease, license, sell, use, or otherwise distribute the state bar's intellectual property. Such contracts must be offered to all interested entities using a standard contract providing identical terms and conditions to all entities. SECTION 2. Section 81.0151, Government Code, is amended to Sec. 81.0151. PURCHASING. (a) The board of directors shall adopt guidelines and procedures for purchasing that are consistent with the guidelines and procedures in Chapters 2155-2158. (b) State bar purchases [Purchases] are subject to the ultimate review of the supreme court. The state bar shall maintain reports on the [state bar] purchases and shall make those reports available for review by the state auditor. SECTION 3. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to a contract for the lease, license, sale, use, or other distribution of the State Bar of Texas' intellectual property that is entered into on or after the effective date of this Act. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
Bill Sponsors
Legislators who authored or co-sponsored this bill.
Bill History
Bill filed: AN ACT relating to certain contracts for the lease, license, sale, use, or
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