HB0324 Clayton, Robert Shear, Sue

P E R F E C T E D

HB 324 -- UNLICENSED PRACTICE OF LAW (Clayton, Shear)

This bill increases the criminal penalty for practicing law without a license from a $100 fine and costs to a maximum fine of $1,000 and a year in jail. The bill also makes partnerships and unincorporated business entities subject to this penalty. The bill also creates a minimum civil award of $1,000 which the aggrieved party may recover from the defendant. In the case where the aggrieved party neglects to pursue a civil claim, and the state pursues the claim instead, the state must do so within 5 years.

FISCAL NOTE: No impact on state funds.