reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
TX Govt Code § 79.042 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle F - Court Administration|Chapter 79 - Texas Indigent Defense Commission|Subchapter C. General Powers and Duties of Commission|Section 79.042. Succession Plan for Certain Public Defenders' Offices

Sec. 79.042.  SUCCESSION PLAN FOR CERTAIN PUBLIC DEFENDERS' OFFICES.  (a)  In this section, "governmental entity" has the meaning assigned by Article 26.044, Code of Criminal Procedure.(b)  As a condition of a grant awarded by the commission to a regional public defender's office that primarily handles capital cases, the commission may establish for the public defender's office a succession plan to take effect only if the commissioners court of the county in which the central administrative office of the public defender's office is located ceases for any reason to be a party to the agreement creating or designating the public defender's office.(c)  A succession plan established under Subsection (b) may:(1)  authorize the commission to designate a governmental entity to administer the regional public defender's office; (2)  require the governmental entity designated under Subdivision (1) to establish an oversight board for the regional public defender's office under Article 26.045, Code of Criminal Procedure; and(3)  require the regional public defender's office to comply with any rules adopted by the commission for the administration of the public defender's office.|Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 738 (S.B. 1214), Sec. 1, eff. June 12, 2017.|
TX Govt Code § 81.001 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter A. General Provisions|Section 81.001. Short Title

Sec. 81.001.  SHORT TITLE.  This chapter may be cited as the State Bar Act.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.|
TX Govt Code § 81.002 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter A. General Provisions|Section 81.002. Definitions

Sec. 81.002.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:(1)  "State bar" means the State Bar of Texas.(2)  "Executive director" means the executive director of the state bar.(3)  "General counsel" means the general counsel of the state bar.(4)  "Board of directors" means the board of directors of the state bar.(5)  "Commission" means the Commission for Lawyer Discipline described by Section 81.076 and as provided in the Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure adopted by the Supreme Court of Texas.(6)  "Chief disciplinary counsel" means the attorney selected under Section 81.076 who performs disciplinary functions for the state bar under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and the Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure.(7)  Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1130 (S.B. 416), Sec. 2, eff. June 15, 2017.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 795, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.Amended by: Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1130 (S.B. 416), Sec. 2, eff. June 15, 2017.|
TX Govt Code § 81.003 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter A. General Provisions|Section 81.003. Sunset Provision

Sec. 81.003.  SUNSET PROVISION.  The state bar is subject to Chapter 325 (Texas Sunset Act).  Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, this chapter expires September 1, 2029.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 795, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;  Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 17, Sec. 6.11, eff. Nov. 12, 1991;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 227, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1232 (S.B. 652), Sec. 3.04, eff. June 17, 2011.Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 531 (S.B. 302), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.|
TX Govt Code § 81.011 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.011. General Powers

Sec. 81.011.  GENERAL POWERS.  (a)  The state bar is a public corporation and an administrative agency of the judicial department of government.(b)  This chapter is in aid of the judicial department's powers under the constitution to regulate the practice of law, and not to the exclusion of those powers.(c)  The Supreme Court of Texas, on behalf of the judicial department, shall exercise administrative control over the state bar under this chapter.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.|
TX Govt Code § 81.012 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.012. Purposes

Sec. 81.012.  PURPOSES.  In order that the public responsibilities of the legal profession may be more effectively discharged, the state bar has the following purposes:(1)  to aid the courts in carrying on and improving the administration of justice;(2)  to advance the quality of legal services to the public and to foster the role of the legal profession in serving the public;(3)  to foster and maintain on the part of those engaged in the practice of law high ideals and integrity, learning, competence in public service, and high standards of conduct;(4)  to provide proper professional services to the members of the state bar;(5)  to encourage the formation of and activities of local bar associations;(6)  to provide forums for the discussion of subjects pertaining to the practice of law, the science of jurisprudence and law reform, and the relationship of the state bar to the public;  and(7)  to publish information relating to the subjects listed in Subdivision (6).|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 795, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.|
TX Govt Code § 81.013 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.013. Seal

Sec. 81.013.  SEAL.  The state bar has an official seal, which may not be used for private purposes.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.|
TX Govt Code § 81.014 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.014. Suits

Sec. 81.014.  SUITS.  The state bar may sue and be sued in its own name.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.|
TX Govt Code § 81.015 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.015. Contracts

Sec. 81.015.  CONTRACTS.  To carry out and promote the objectives of this chapter, the state bar may enter into contracts and 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 purposes.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.|
TX Govt Code § 81.0151 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.0151. Purchasing

Sec. 81.0151.  PURCHASING.  The board of directors shall adopt guidelines and procedures for purchasing that are consistent with the guidelines and procedures in Chapters 2155-2158.  Purchases are subject to the ultimate review of the supreme court.  The state bar shall maintain reports on state bar purchases and shall make those reports available for review by the state auditor.|Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 795, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 17.19, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.|
TX Govt Code § 81.016 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.016. Property

Sec. 81.016.  PROPERTY.  (a)  The state bar may acquire by gift, bequest, devise, or other manner any interest in real or personal property.(b)  The state bar may acquire, hold, lease, encumber, and dispose of real and personal property in the exercise of its powers and the performance of its duties under this chapter.(c)  The property of the state bar is held by the state bar for the purposes set out in Section 81.012. If the state bar ceases to exist as a legal entity for any reason, all property of the state bar shall be held in trust by the supreme court for the attorneys of this state.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 795, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.|
TX Govt Code § 81.017 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.017. Indebtedness, Liability, or Obligation

Sec. 81.017.  INDEBTEDNESS, LIABILITY, OR OBLIGATION.  (a)  An indebtedness, liability, or obligation of the state bar does not:(1)  create a debt or other liability of the state or of any entity other than the state bar or any successor public corporation;  or(2)  create any personal liability on the part of the members of the state bar or the members of the board of directors or any authorized person issuing, executing, or delivering any evidence of the indebtedness, liability, or obligation.(b)  The state bar may not create an indebtedness, liability, or obligation that cannot be paid from the receipts for the current year unless approved by referendum of all members of the state bar as provided by Section 81.024.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.|
TX Govt Code § 81.018 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.018. Contractual Obligations

Sec. 81.018.  CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS.  Any bond, note, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, contract, lease, agreement, or other contractual obligation owed to or by the state bar on June 11, 1979, remains in force and effect according to the terms of the obligation.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.|
TX Govt Code § 81.019 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.019. Officers of State Bar

Sec. 81.019.  OFFICERS OF STATE BAR.  (a)  The officers of the state bar are the president, president-elect, and immediate past president.(b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), the officers shall be elected in accordance with rules for the election of officers and directors prepared and proposed by the supreme court as provided by Section 81.024.(c)  The election rules must permit any member's name to be printed on the ballot as a candidate for president-elect if a written petition requesting that action and signed by at least five percent of the membership of the state bar is filed with the executive director at least 30 days before the election ballots are to be distributed to the membership.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 795, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 227, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.|
TX Govt Code § 81.020 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.020. Board of Directors

Sec. 81.020.  BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  (a)  The governing body of the state bar is the board of directors.(b)  The board is composed of:(1)  the officers of the state bar;(2)  the president, president-elect, and immediate past president of the Texas Young Lawyers Association;(3)  not more than 30 members of the state bar elected by the membership from their district as determined by the board;(4)  six persons appointed by the supreme court and confirmed by the senate who are not attorneys and who do not have, other than as consumers, a financial interest in the practice of law; and(5)  four at-large directors appointed by the president as provided by Subsections (d) and (e).(c)  Elected members serve three-year terms.  Nonattorney members serve staggered terms of the same length as terms of elected board members.  The supreme court shall annually appoint two nonattorney members, with at least one of the two from a list of at least five names submitted by the governor.  Appointments to the board shall be made without regard to the race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national origin of the appointees.  A person who has served more than half of a full term is not eligible for reappointment to the board.(d)  The president of the state bar appoints the at-large directors, subject to confirmation by the board of directors.  In making appointments under this subsection, the president shall appoint directors who demonstrate knowledge gained from experience in the legal profession and community necessary to ensure the board represents the interests of attorneys from the varied backgrounds that compose the membership of the state bar.(e)  At-large directors serve three-year terms.  To be eligible for appointment as an at-large director, at the time of appointment a person may not be serving as:(1)  an elected director; or(2)  an at-large director.(f)  The board of directors shall develop and implement policies that clearly separate the responsibilities of the board and the management responsibilities of the executive director and the staff of the state bar.(g)  The board of directors shall prepare and maintain a written plan that describes how a person who does not speak English or who has a physical, mental, or developmental disability can be provided reasonable access to the state bar's programs.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 795, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 227, Sec. 3, 22, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1130 (S.B. 416), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2017.|
TX Govt Code § 81.0201 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.0201. Training Program for Board Members

Sec. 81.0201.  TRAINING PROGRAM FOR BOARD MEMBERS.  (a)  A person who is elected or appointed to and qualifies for office as a member of the board of directors may not vote, deliberate, or be counted as a member in attendance at a meeting of the board until the person completes a training program that complies with this section.(b)  The training program must provide the person with information regarding:(1)  the law governing state bar operations;(2)  the programs operated by the state bar;(3)  the role and functions of the state bar;(4)  the rules of the state bar, with an emphasis on the rules that relate to disciplinary and investigatory authority;(4-a)  the scope of and limitations on the rulemaking authority of the state bar;(5)  the current budget for the state bar;(6)  the results of the most recent formal audit of the state bar;(7)  the requirements of:(A)  laws relating to open meetings, public information, administrative procedure, and the disclosure of conflicts of interest; and(B)  other laws applicable to members of a state policymaking body in performing their duties; and(8)  any applicable ethics policies adopted by the state bar or the Texas Ethics Commission.(c)  The executive director shall create a training manual that includes the information required by Subsection (b).  The executive director shall distribute a copy of the training manual annually to each member of the board of directors.  On receipt of the training manual, each member of the board shall sign and submit to the executive director a statement acknowledging receipt of the training manual.|Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 227, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 531 (S.B. 302), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.|
TX Govt Code § 81.021 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.021. Open Meetings; Public Participation

Sec. 81.021.  OPEN MEETINGS;  PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.  (a)  Meetings of the board of directors of the state bar are subject to Chapter 551.(b)  The board of directors shall develop and implement policies that provide the public with a reasonable opportunity to appear before the board and to speak on any issue under the jurisdiction of the board.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 795, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;  Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 5.95(83), eff. Sept. 1, 1995.|
TX Govt Code § 81.0215 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.0215. Strategic Plan

Sec. 81.0215.  STRATEGIC PLAN.  (a)  The state bar shall develop a comprehensive, long-range strategic plan for its operations.  Each even-numbered year, the state bar shall issue a plan covering five fiscal years beginning with the next odd-numbered fiscal year.(b)  The strategic plan must include measurable goals and a system of performance measures that:(1)  relates directly to the identified goals;  and(2)  focuses on the results and outcomes of state bar operations and services.(c)  Each year, the state bar shall report the performance measures included in the strategic plan under this section to the supreme court and the editor of the Texas Bar Journal for publication.|Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 227, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.|
TX Govt Code § 81.0221 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.0221. Alcoholic Beverages

Sec. 81.0221.  ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.  None of the funds of the state bar collected from mandatory dues may be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.|Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 795, Sec. 10, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.|
TX Govt Code § 81.023 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.023. Audit; Financial Report

Sec. 81.023.  AUDIT;  FINANCIAL REPORT.  (a)  The financial transactions of the state bar are subject to audit by the state auditor in accordance with Chapter 321, Government Code.  The state bar shall pay the expense of the audit.  The auditor's report shall be published in the Bar Journal.(b)  The state bar shall file annually with the supreme court, the governor, and the presiding officer of each house of the legislature a copy of the annual financial report prepared by the state bar under Section 2101.011.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 584, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;  Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 795, Sec. 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.Amended by: Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1312 (S.B. 59), Sec. 22, eff. September 1, 2013.|
TX Govt Code § 81.024 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.024. Rules

Sec. 81.024.  RULES.  (a)  The supreme court shall promulgate the rules governing the state bar. (b)  The supreme court may:(1)  as it considers necessary, pursuant to a resolution of the board of directors of the state bar, or pursuant to a petition signed by at least 10 percent of the registered members of the state bar, prepare, propose, and adopt rules or amendments to rules for the operation, maintenance, and administration of the state bar; and(2)  in accordance with Subchapter E-1, adopt rules, including the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and the Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure, for the discipline of state bar members.(c)  Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 531 (S.B. 302), Sec. 14, eff. September 1, 2017.(d)  Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 531 (S.B. 302), Sec. 14, eff. September 1, 2017.(e)  Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 531 (S.B. 302), Sec. 14, eff. September 1, 2017.(f)  Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 531 (S.B. 302), Sec. 14, eff. September 1, 2017.(g)  Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 531 (S.B. 302), Sec. 14, eff. September 1, 2017.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 227, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 531 (S.B. 302), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2017.Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 531 (S.B. 302), Sec. 14, eff. September 1, 2017.|
TX Govt Code § 81.0241 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.0241. Electronic Transmission of Election Materials

Sec. 81.0241.  ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF ELECTION MATERIALS.  (a)  The state bar may, with the approval of the supreme court, distribute by electronic transmission ballots and related materials and receive by electronic transmission completed ballots in an election under this chapter.(b)  Before approving the distribution or receipt of ballots and related materials by electronic transmission under this section, the supreme court must be satisfied that the state bar has implemented procedures that ensure each member of the state bar will have secure access to election ballots and information.|Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 227, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.|
TX Govt Code § 81.0242 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.0242. Participation in Elections

Sec. 81.0242.  PARTICIPATION IN ELECTIONS.  The state bar, in the manner provided by the supreme court, shall:(1)  promote and monitor participation of members of the state bar in elections under this chapter;  and(2)  report statistics regarding that participation to the supreme court and the editor of the Texas Bar Journal for publication.|Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 227, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.|
TX Govt Code § 81.025 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.025. Bar Districts

Sec. 81.025.  BAR DISTRICTS.  (a)  The board of directors shall from time to time reapportion the state into bar districts for electing directors from those districts or to perform any other duty imposed on the state bar by this chapter or the rules of the state bar.(b)  In determining the districts, the board must consider the purposes of the state bar as set out in Section 81.012.(c)  Any reapportionment is subject to the supreme court's approval.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.|
TX Govt Code § 81.026 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Government Code|Title 2 - Judicial Branch|Subtitle G - Attorneys|Chapter 81 - State Bar|Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions|Section 81.026. Committees and Sections

Sec. 81.026.  COMMITTEES AND SECTIONS.  (a)  The board may create committees, subject to the executive committee's approval under Subchapter I, and sections as it considers advisable and necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.(b)  This chapter does not prohibit the appointment of nonattorneys to a committee of the state bar.|Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 227, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.|