Bill > HB2169

This bill modifies existing Texas state law regarding the State Bar of Texas' ability to enter into contracts involving its intellectual property. Specifically, the bill prohibits the State Bar from entering into exclusive contracts for leasing, licensing, selling, using, or distributing its intellectual property. Instead, any such contracts must be offered to all interested entities using identical standard terms and conditions. The bill also clarifies existing purchasing guidelines, reaffirming that state bar purchases are subject to review by the Texas Supreme Court and must maintain purchase reports for the state auditor's review. These changes will apply only to contracts entered into on or after the bill's effective date, which will be either immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature or on September 1, 2025, if the immediate voting threshold is not met. The primary purpose appears to be ensuring transparency and equal access to the State Bar's intellectual property by preventing exclusive agreements with any single entity.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2169