Downloads
CS/HB 915 — Advertisements for Representation Services
by Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee and Reps. Lopez J., Woodson, and others (CS/CS/SB 846 by Rules Committee; Commerce and Tourism Committee; and Senators Polsky, Pizzo, Smith, and Arrington)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Commerce and Tourism Committee (CM)
This bill amends existing statutes and introduces new provisions addressing notary public fraud and the unlicensed practice of law in connection with immigration matters. The bill prohibits a notary public who is not authorized to represent a person in an immigration matter, when advertising his or her notary public services, from using the terms notario público, notario, immigration assistant, immigration consultant, or immigration specialist, or any other designation of title, in any language, which conveys or implies that he or she possesses professional legal skills in immigration law.
The bill requires unlicensed or unauthorized individuals offering immigration services to post conspicuous notices on their websites and at their places of business in relevant languages which state that the individuals are not accredited to represent anyone in an immigration matter, licensed to practice law, provide legal advice, or accept fees for legal advice.
A person aggrieved by these provisions has a civil cause of action against the entity, person, or business violating such provisions for declaratory or injunctive relief, actual damages, and reasonable attorney fees and costs.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2025.
Vote: Senate 36-0; House 114-1