Message - June 15, 2007

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EIGHTIETH TEXAS LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:

Pursuant to Article IV, Sections 14 and 15 of the Texas Constitution, I, Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, do hereby disapprove and veto House Bill No. 1519 of the 80th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, due to the following objections:

House Bill No. 1519 does not include attorneys in the new section (d-1) it creates for the offense of barratry and solicitation of professional employment. The new section prohibits in person or telephone contact before 31 days have passed since an accident; however attorneys are included in the current law in section (d), which covers improper written communications. The criminal acts covered by the statute should contain identical provisions for all covered professions.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have signed my name officially and caused the Seal of the State to be affixed hereto at Austin, this the 15th day of June, 2007.

RICK PERRY
Governor of Texas

ATTESTED BY:
ROGER WILLIAMS
Secretary of State