HB1282

House Bill 1282 amends Arkansas Code § 16-22-501(a) regarding the unauthorized practice of law. The bill modifies the legal requirement for proving an offense by removing the qualifier that the offender must have the 'intent to obtain a direct economic benefit' for themselves. Instead, it broadens the scope by criminalizing these actions if the person has the 'intent to obtain any economic benefit.' The bill maintains the existing list of prohibited activities, such as soliciting legal business, advising on personal injury or property damage claims, and contracting for representation in legal matters on a contingent fee basis. By expanding the intent requirement, the legislation makes it easier to prosecute individuals who engage in the unauthorized practice of law even if the economic benefit is indirect or otherwise not a 'direct' personal gain.