TITLE: Relating to nonlawyer representation in an appeal of an eviction suit.

SUMMARY: Relating to nonlawyer representation in an appeal of an eviction suit.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to nonlawyer representation in an appeal of an eviction suit. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 24.011, Property Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 24.011. NONLAWYER REPRESENTATION. (a) In eviction suits in justice court for nonpayment of rent or holding over beyond a rental term, the parties may represent themselves or be represented by their authorized agents, who need not be attorneys. In any eviction suit in justice court, an authorized agent requesting or obtaining a default judgment need not be an attorney. (b) In an appeal of an eviction suit for nonpayment of rent in a county or district court, an owner of a multifamily residential property may be represented by the owner's authorized agent, who need not be an attorney, or, if the owner is a corporation or other entity, by an employee, owner, officer, or partner of the entity, who need not be an attorney. SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies only to an appeal taken on or after the effective date of this Act. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.